HIV/AIDS
Everyone has an HIV status. Getting tested gives you more control of your health and allows you to protect yourself and your partners.
Hawaii HIV Drug Assistance Program
MPHS offers application assistance to those needing pharmaceuticals for HIV and because of income, cannot get them. The Hawaii HIV Drug Assistance Program (HDAP) will distribute free medications to the uninsured who are HIV positive. All prescription drugs are FDA-approved. The objective is to treat or improve side effects of HIV and address the infection. To see if you qualify, contact us at (808) 246-9577.
There are many non-governmental programs for accessing medications outside of ADAP and HDAP. You may call for assistance or click on the web address below.
HIV/AIDS Case Management
MPHS offers medical case management for people living with HIV. Medical case management is a collaborative process that helps patients meet the recommended treatment plans of their medical care provider while maintaining dignity of the patient, their culture and their family. Our case manager is involved in the planning and coordination of health care services appropriate to achieve the physician/client goals. This service also includes assistance with accessing insurance or other programs that pay for medical services and other supports. Our medical case management services are made possible by federal and state funding, as well as community donations.
Housing Assistance
MPHS offers support to those living with HIV/AIDS and their immediate family members to find housing. MPHS does not own any housing, nor does MPHS screen or make decisions on housing applications or subsidies. MPHS staff can offer the following:
- Assistance in searching for open-market housing
- Referrals to other programs that offer subsidized housing or assistance programs
- Assistance in completing applications for housing
- Advocacy with landlords when housing struggles arise
- Referrals to credit repair agencies
- Referrals to renter and homebuyer programs
Housing on Kauai is expensive and there are waiting lists for all housing assistance programs. People looking to move to Kauai should complete a budgeting process that includes a realistic allocation of resources for rent and utilities and clarity on how they will pay for all necessities.
Food Pantry
MPHS provides referrals to local food banks and maintains a limited food pantry at our main office for our clients living with HIV/AIDS who are enrolled in our case management program and are income-qualifying. We believe that in order to become and remain healthy after diagnosis, one must have access to quality, nutritious and healthy foods. For many, limited incomes and distance from healthy food sources make a consistent and stable food supply difficult. MPHS attempts to fill the gap where possible, offering food purchased with grants and donated monies. To learn about the food bank and qualifications, contact our lead Case Manager at (808) 246-9577. Thank you for supporting our food bank program:
- Safeway Foundation
- MAC AIDS Fund
- FEMA
Inquiry Form
HIV/AIDS Facts
Why should you get an HIV test?
Everyone has an HIV status. Getting tested gives you more control of your health and allows you to protect yourself and your partners. It’s recommended that you get tested if you currently or have ever:
- had sex with someone without a condom
- had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- shared needles or works to inject drugs
- shared needles for a piercing or tattoo
- if you are pregnant (HIV-positive women can pass HIV to their babies)
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HIV TESTING AT MPHS
- Get your results in about 20 minutes
- All testing is completely confidential
- Affordable (suggested donation of $10)
- Walk in or make an appointment
- Confirmatory testing is available for those who test preliminarily positive or for HIV-positive individuals who need proof of HIV status for service and/or healthcare access
TOP TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HIV/AIDS
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that can lead to an AIDS diagnosis (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Not everyone living with HIV has AIDS, but everyone that has AIDS has HIV.
- There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but the virus is 100% preventable. Actions such as consistent and correct condom use, not sharing injection drug paraphernalia, and following medical recommendations if you are an HIV positive woman who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy decreases risk significantly.
- HIV and AIDS has always and continues to disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities.
- People with HIV can have a long, normal lifespan, though the stigma surrounding HIV often creates a not-so-normal life.
- In the United States, it is increasingly rare for pregnant women living with HIV to transmit the virus to their children. However, on a global scale, mother-to-child transmission remains a significant percentage of HIV cases.
- In Hawaii, the vast majority of HIV and AIDS cases are among men who have sex with men. Globally, women share a larger number of HIV/AIDS cases through heterosexual sex.
- While HIV and AIDS may affect different populations in larger numbers or on a larger scale, it can happen to anyone. Young or old, rich or poor, gay or straight, the virus does not discriminate.
- HIV remains a virus that is not transmittable through casual contact such as hugging or sharing utensils. Unprotected sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, and anal), sharing needles for injection drug use, and mother to child transmission (in utero, during delivery, and breastfeeding) are the main transmission routes for the HIV virus.
- Not everyone living with HIV is taking medication, but those who do take medications are far healthier when they are able to maintain adherence (taking your medication consistently as prescribed). Access to health care, housing, support from family and friends, nutritious meals, and other basic needs greatly increases people’s ability to adhere to their medications, stay healthy, and increases their life expectancy.
- Young people, particularly girls and young women, continue to be at the center of the epidemic. Youth are significantly impacted by the spread of HIV, but they are also at the heart of the movement to stop it. Young people hold the energy to change the future of the pandemic; talking to children and youth in our communities about staying safe and healthy is a great first step to making an impact.
Condom Facts
Condom use really works in preventing HIV transmission and unintended pregnancy. Consistent use of condoms is 82%–98% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy. HIV and other sexually transmitted viruses and bacteria CAN be transmitted during oral, anal or vaginal intercourse, so always use a condom or a dental dam. You must use a new condom before each sex act (oral, anal or vaginal). If you use lubricants, you must use only water-based lubricants with latex condoms. Avoid oil-based lubricants like cold cream, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, body lotions, massage oil, or baby oil that can damage latex condoms.
HIV/AIDS Testing
MPHS provides rapid HIV testing to anyone who needs it. Get your results in about 20 minutes. All testing is completely confidential and affordable (suggested donation of $10). Please bring a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, State ID, passport, etc.) to receive testing
Safer-Sex Kits
Malama Pono Health Services (MPHS) offers condoms and “Safer-Sex Kits” (condom and lube packs with directions) free to the community. These can be accessed in our offices or from community-placed condom jars. Individuals may walk in to the MPHS office and ask for up to 10 condoms at a time. Businesses and community organizations may ask for a condom jar to be placed at their location.