The Wellness Center of South Florida, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Heidi Andrus in 1996 to provide a safe place for the HIV affected and infected community. Managed by individuals living with HIV, the Wellness Center is dedicated to the improvement of access and treatment. We all seek to provide healing and direction through our own power of example and to be a source of strength to those in the community who may not have the same skillls or resources. We believe that each of us should be informed consumers and active partners with our physicians in our treatment decisions. One of our beliefs is that empowerment through peer support is crucial to long-term survival. In fact, 90% of our funding goes directly to client care and services. Although all services are provided free of charge to our participants, donations are very much needed and are warmly appreciated.
-Announcements-
Services provided: AIDS Insurance Continuation Program- Through the Wellness Center you can enroll in the federally funded AICP, which pays up to $750 per month to keep you on private health insurance, COBRA and conversion plans. If your employer pays your premium, AICP will cover your portion. If you have no insurance, we can help you get it. You will still qualify if you are on disability. AICP will pay up to $100 a month for medication and physician co-pays and your annual insurance deductibles up to $2,500 if you are enrolled in the Special Services Program. To qualify for AICP you must have been diagnosed with AIDS. You may presently earn income up to $41,600 annually and have up to $12,000 in liquid assets. You may own a car and home. If you do not qualify we may have other options available for you, just ask your case manager. For more details call our office. Case Management Services- We alsooffer referral/case management on a case by case basis. Assistance emergency financial aid may be available. We are able to assist you with accessing medical and social services throughout Broward County. Call us for more info. HIV Education Programs- Monthly education programs facilitated by local providers specific to each segment of the population. These programs offer information on experimental drug protocols, new classes of drugs, HIV disease progression, managing side effects and related topics. They are typically held Monday evenings at local restaurants sponsored by a pharmaceutical company. To be added to our email list click here HIV Heterosexual Support Group- The Wellness Center offers a weekly support group which addresses issues specific to those who are heterosexual and HIV+. The group meets weekly at our office from 7:30pm-9:00pm. It is peer-facilitated and is regularly attended by 15-20 individuals.
Social and Recreational Events- We offer BBQs, pool parties, get togethers, dinners, etc. for the HIV community. We also connect with other groups throughout the region and the country to network and make new friends. See calendar below for scheduled events. Pictures:Holiday party of 2008
Local affiliated services: Project Link - 965-564-8669, www.plosf.org - Free HIV testing and $25 HEP C testiing. Provides quality prevention education and testing, linkage to HIV medical care and wrap-around services as well as addressing treatment/medication adherence to those individuals at-risk for and/or infected with HIV. (Co-located with The Wellness Center) Community Acupuncture Massage Project -954-566-2416, Ft Lauderdale -Free acupuncture and discounted massage for HIV+ Sculptra facial injections- Project Link of South Florida has found a way to provide you with Sculptra treatments at a steeply discounted price. Sculptra is intended for restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial wasting (lipodystrophy) in people with HIV. Performed by a licensed professional. Contact Jay McLaughlin at 954-564-8669 for details.
National resources: Project Inform - 800-822-7422, www.projectinform.org -Represents HIV+ people in the development of treatments and a cure, supports individuals to make informed choices about their HIV health, advocates for quality health care to respond to HIV and related conditions, and promotes medical strategies that prevent new infections.
POZ Magazine - 800-973-2376, www.poz.com -Resource, information and social networking (personals) for HIV+/AIDS
In 2009 the Wellness Center has received support from:
Scientific
Aventis, Biocollections, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bodshotz, Boeringher Ingelheim
Pharmaceuticals, Tibotec, Guidoco.We
are also grateful for the generosity of our private sponsors and volunteers
within the HIV community.
