76 ~ Health Resource Guide 2010 -11
Disease Specific Resources AIDS/HIV
Missoula AIDS Counsel 500 N. Higgins Ave., Ste. 100, 543-4770 mac@centric.net Provides HIV prevention information and risk-reduction supplies. Offers HIV education, including at-risk youth program, HIV positive speakers bureau, and community presentations. Rapid testing is available free of charge; results are treated anonymously and confidentially. Only a 20-80 minute wait for results! Support for HIV-positive individuals includes referrals, housing assistance, and support groups.
AIDS/HIV Hotline National, 1-800-232-4636 Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Referrals, answers to questions and free written materials.
Partnership Health Center 323 W. Alder St., 258-4789 Assistance with medical, dental and pharmacy needs for the uninsured and underinsured. Also offers mental health services and educational resources.
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is most commonly spread through IV drug use and by sexual intercourse with an infected partner. It can also be spread through contact with infected blood, and women can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy or birth. By killing or damaging cells in the body’s immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body’s ability to fight infections. The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection.
AIDS and HIV Anonymous Counseling, Testing Missoula County Health Dept., 258-4745 Counseling & HIV testing by appointment on Wednesdays only. Communicable Diseases, Missoula County Health Department 301 W. Alder St., 258-3896 Communicable Diseases answers questions about sexually transmitted illness and communicable diseases including HIV. Counseling and testing available.
Yellowstone AIDS Project 2906 1st Ave. N, Ste. 200, Billings, 59101, (406)245-2029 www.yapmt.org Provides direct services to people with HIV and AIDS, including prevention education and outreach, HIV counseling and testing. Also provides prevention education for people affected by HIV/AIDS or at risk.