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The Wellness Program | Ryan White Grant

The MWHC Wellness Program | Ryan White Grant serves our community to help those living with HIV and AIDS to navigate healthcare, understand medications, and assist in finding financial and emotional support options.

Wellness Program clients who are interested in understanding what assistance is available for them can come to the program office. Our staff will assist clients in understanding eligibility requirements, general conditions and restrictions.

For more information, contact us at 540.374.3279 or email Wellness.Program@mwhc.com. The Wellness Program office is located on the Mary Washington Hospital campus in the Tompkins-Martin Medical Plaza, 1101 Sam Perry Blvd., Suite 318, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401. Transportation to this location is available on the local Fred Bus.

At-Home HIV Test Kits

OraQuick® is the first FDA-approved oral swab in-home test for HIV-1 and HIV-2. It's an oral swab test that doesn't require blood. It's completely private. And it's based on the same HIV test that healthcare professionals have used since 2004.

With the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, you can take the first step toward learning your HIV status. Find out in just 20 minutes in the comfort and privacy of your own home. The results are completely confidential.

OraQuick is from OraSure Technologies, a company with a long and trusted history of leadership and innovation in HIV testing. For years, it has been the company healthcare professionals have used for HIV tests.

For more information, visit oraquick.com.

Kit Can Be Mailed

If you would like to receive a FREE kit, you can go to this link to request one be sent to you from our partners at the Virginia Department of Health: https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=77W7DKHHKJ.

As a reminder, we continue to offer free in-office HIV testing at 1101 Sam Perry Blvd, Suite 318; Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Please contact our office if you are interested in a test in-office or have trouble completing the form at the above link.

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Are You Worried About Contracting HIV? Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The MWHC Wellness Program team will help guide you through strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The team is open minded and will allow you to ask any question you have regarding sexual practices.

If you would like to start Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis call the office at 540.374.3279. Our team will connect you with a caring physician to manage your health care and medications. The program has options to help with the cost of medical visits, labs and medications.

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FREE Condoms

If you are in need of condoms or lube and can't visit our Wellness Program office, please fill out this form and our team will mail them to you.

When used properly, condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Part of effective use includes using a non-oil based lubricant to reduce breakage.

CDC Resource: Proper Condom Use

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HIV Prevention, Education, & Resources

Are you worried about contracting HIV? Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

The MW Wellness Program team will help guide you through strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The team is open minded and will allow you to ask any question you have regarding sexual practices.

If you would like to start Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, call our office at 540.374.3279. Our team will connect you with a caring physician to manage your health care and medications. The program has options to help with the cost of medical visits, labs and medications.

Are you concerned you have been exposed to HIV? Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication you can take to reduce the risk of contraction after a possible exposure. Call as soon as possible to talk with our team. The medication must be started within 72 hours of an unprotected sexual experience. Let us help you with your concern. 540.374.3279.

Request a Speaker

If you are in need of an educator or speaker for your group meeting, please use this form to request a speaker.

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Sexually Transmitted Infections

You may be at increased risk for contracting STIs if you:

  • Are having unprotected sex
  • Have multiple partners
  • Have a history of STIs
  • Are being forced to engage in sexual activity
  • Misuse alcohol or use recreational drugs
  • Are unsure how to be sexually healthy

If you are sexually active and worried that you may have contracted a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), contact one of our Medical Case Managers today at 540.374.3279.

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HIV Medication Information

We are here to help.
If you are not sure about your HIV and other medications, we can help you sort out what is current and needed. We can also help you optimize timing and administration of the medications for the best absorption.

Our goal is to help all clients reach an undetectable level. Give us a call to meet with one of our medical case managers today 540.374.3279.

U=U means Undetectable=Untransmittable.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The MWHC Wellness Program team will help guide you through strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The team is open minded and will allow you to ask any question you have regarding sexual practices.

If you would like to start Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, call the office at 540.374.3279. Our team will connect you with a caring physician to manage your health care and medications. The program has options to help with the cost of medical visits, labs, and medications.

The Virginia AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) provides access to life-saving medications for the treatment of HIV and related illnesses for low-income clients through the provision of medications or through assistance with insurance premiums and medication co-payments.

The program is primarily supported with federal Ryan White (RW) Treatment Extension Act Part B grant funding, which is distributed by a formula based on living HIV and AIDS cases to all states and territories in the United States.

We also have a way to help you dispose of the old and unwanted medications, just give us a call at 540.374.3279.

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HIV Self Care

Are You Worried About Contracting HIV?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The MWHC Wellness Program team will help guide you through strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The team is open minded and will allow you to ask any question you have regarding sexual practices.

If you would like to start Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, call the office at 540.374.3279. Our team will connect you with a caring physician to manage your health care and medications. The program has options to help with the cost of medical visits, labs, and medications.

Are you concerned you have been exposed to HIV?

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication you can take to reduce the risk of contraction after a possible exposure. Call as soon as possible to talk with our team. The medication must be started within 72 hours of an unprotected sexual experience. Let us help you with your concern. 540.374.3279.

Sleep & HIV

While sleep is important for anyone, the American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes that sleep is a particularly important factor among Americans living with HIV. The APA found 30-40% of HIV-positive adults report some difficulty with sleep, ranging from occasional difficulties falling asleep, to interrupted sleep patterns, to waking up after only a few hours of sleep, to insomnia.

Are you getting enough sleep?

Considering the challenges of the past year, the answer is likely a resounding “NO!” Sleep is such an important part of our lives, that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) began to study the self-reported sleep patterns of American adults a few years ago. The CDC found that one-third of American adults report getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) also found that most Americans report feeling sleepy during daylight hours, an average of three times per week. According to the NSF 55% of American adults report they do not sleep well at night, while 44% report not getting enough sleep.

We all know that a good night’s sleep makes us feel better, and most of us have experienced changes in mood, irritability, or confusion, when we are unable to sleep. Sleep disturbances, and sleep disorders also impact our overall health, however, and are linked to:

  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Obesity
  • Depression
  • Headaches, and Migraines

Potential Causes of Sleep Disturbances Among Persons Living With HIV

  • Chronic insomnia shortly after HIV-infection
  • Side effects of Antiretroviral Therapy
  • Side effects of HIV-infection
  • Stressful life events and challenges

Get a “Good Night’s Sleep”

Easier said than done, most of us would say, but the CDC and sleep experts recommend the following for a better night’s sleep:

  • Establish a routine, and go to bed around the same time every night
  • Check your environment: Is it dark enough or too dark for you? Is the room temperature comfortable? Is it quiet, or too quiet for you? Find what works for you.
  • Do not take your phone to bed or silence your phone if you feel comfortable doing so. Unless it is an emergency-it can wait until you have your first cup of coffee in the morning
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or large meals right before you go to bed
  • Give yourself some “down time”-turn the TV off, listen to relaxing music, listen to relaxing sounds
  • Avoid naps during the day
  • Take a warm bubble bath before sleep
  • Don’t use your bedroom as an office
  • Make a list of things of things to worry you, and things to remember, before you go to bed and remind yourself that you will “tackle” that list in the morning
  • And most importantly: Talk to your doctor if difficulties with sleep persist or begin to impact your physical and mental health!

We Can Help

Medical case managers are available to assist with sleep strategies and connect you with a specialist if needed. Call our office at 540.374.3279 to speak to someone.

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Pride in Practice: Talking with Your Healthcare Provider About Sexual and Reproductive Health

Coming Out to Your Provider

Coming out to your healthcare provider is an important step to living a healthy life. LGBTQ+ people face unique health risks, such as higher smoking rates, greater risk of suicide attempts, and a higher chance of getting certain sexually transmitted diseases. Talking with your provider can help you assess your risk, access the care you need, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Why does my provider need to know?

  • Your healthcare is about YOU. By being open with your provider, you allow them to provide you with the best care that will support your mind, body, and spirit.
  • Your provider can offer care that is personal and relevant to you.
  • Your provider can refer you to specialists and other wellness providers who are welcoming to LGBTQ+ people.
  • Your provider can be sensitive to current health trends that affect LGBTQ+ people.

Emotional, Physical, & Mental Health

LGTBQ+ people can sometimes experience stereotyping, harassment, bullying, and prejudice. This kind of discrimination can be stressful, which can increase your risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide. Being open about your sexual orientation and gender identity allows your provider to give you the best possible care.

An exercise routine and healthy diet are important for everyone. Research has shown that LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk of smoking, obesity, and poor body image. By being open with your healthcare provider, they can advise you on healthy diets, smoking cessation, and exercise routines.

Lesbians, bisexual women, and some transgender people should get routine gynecologic screenings, including Pap smears, and routine breast cancer screenings.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

No matter your sexual orientation, talking to your provider about your sexual health isn’t easy. Each person’s needs will differ, but some of the most important sexual health topics to discuss are:

All LGBTQ+ people should feel comfortable talking to their provider about feeling safe at home, partner abuse, and advance care planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t want anyone besides my healthcare provider to know my sexual orientation. Will this information remain private?

Your healthcare provider is required by law to keep your information private. If you are under 18, these laws will vary by state and policies may vary by medical practice. You can also ask your provider not to enter this information into your medical record.

What if my provider uses the wrong terms or pronouns when referring to me or my partner/spouse?

Your healthcare provider may not always know what pronouns you prefer to use. Let them know how you describe yourself and your partner, and they should start to use those words.

What if I still don’t feel comfortable coming out to my provider?

The first step is finding a healthcare provider you connect with. You can talk to friends or use the resources listed here. Finding a provider you are comfortable with is key to your well-being and health.

LGBTQ+ Healthcare Resources

There are many resources available for LGBTQ+ patients seeking medical care and advice.

COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines

What to know about COVID-19 and HIV (CDC resources)

COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters

Ryan White Covid-19 FAQs

Flu Shot

Please contact our office to get your flu shot today! 540.374.3279.

Why is Getting the Flu Shot So Important? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDEmGUqT8U0

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Podcasts

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HIV/AIDS Clinical Trial Resources

Mary Washington Wellness Program is committed to supporting biomedical research that advances the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS. We will provide opportunities for clients to participate in biomedical research studies, ensuring that all participation is voluntary, ethical, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

For those who are HIV positive and interested in information about clinical trial participation, these links may be helpful:

These links may help identify HIV-related clinical trials:

NIH maintains ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of publicly and privately funded clinical trials. To identify relevant trials, enter “HIV” in the Condition/Disease field and select “Recruiting and not yet recruiting” under Study Status. You also may contact health information specialists at HIV info by calling 1.800.442.0440 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or by emailing HIVinfo@NIH.gov for assistance with your clinical trials search.

COVID-19 Guidance Info

Living with HIV?

Staying well and protecting yourself from COVID-19.

People who live with HIV should always protect themselves against viruses and infections.

  • Limit exposure to others by staying home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Get adequate rest.
  • Take all medications on a regular schedule.
  • Eat well, with emphasis on colorful vegetables.
  • Drink plenty of water – you are adequately hydrated if your urine is pale yellow.

If you feel unwell, take your temperature every couple of hours. Call our office at 540.374.3279 if your temperature elevates or call the MWHC Nurse Advice Line at 540.741.1000 (available 7 days a week 7:00 a.m.–midnight).

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