FGC is making measurable headway in the prevention of HIV by offering education,
risk assessments, anonymous pre and post-test counseling, and on-site testing
and referrals. Additionally, the FGC health team coordinates quarterly health
education events that provide clients with information on HIV, TB, Hep C,
and STD prevention as well as other relevant wellness topics.
HIV infected drug abusers are given a priority intake appointment within 48 hours of requesting services. Methadone maintenance as an adjunct to treatment, proven to have a stabilizing affect on HIV affected individuals, is provided for those addicted to heroin or other opiates. Group and individual counseling sessions address the goal of abstinence from illicit drugs and alcohol in the context of maximizing the patient’s overall health and well being. FGC’s health team offers anonymous, on-site HIV pre and post test counseling, testing, and referral, along with continuous prevention education programming that extends to include the patient’s significant others and family if desired. FGC staff ensure that HIV infected individuals have access to specialized health care through strong community linkages with local primary health care providers.