• FREE CONFIDENTIAL/ANONYMOUS testing offered to find out if you are infected with the virus that causes AIDS.

• Walk-in testing services are available on Mondays from 1:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. at the Columbia Health Center location.

• HIV Testing is also available on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., by appointment only, at the Columbia Health Center location. To make an appointment call the Columbia Health Center at 410-313-7500.

• Health Education, Risk Reduction (HERR) Program Services – the goal of this program is to prevent new HIV infections among women in Howard County, Maryland. The focus is on providing culturally relevant, up-to-date information on HIV/STI (Sexually Transmitted Illness) prevention to high risk women, especially African American women. There are weekly sessions that occur over a five week time frame. Call 410-313-6267 for more information or to schedule a program.

• Outreach Program Services – Services focus on outreach to targeted high risk communities or individuals so that they may be referred and/or reconnect to care and treatment services for HIV/ AIDS. Call 410-313-6267 for more information.

HIV / AIDS Support Services

• Support Group services are available to both men and women

• The Women’s Support Group meets the third week of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• The Phoenix Group meets monthly, as desired by participants, during evening hours.

• Call 410-313-6267 for more information.

Case Management Resource for Care

Howard County Individuals, living with HIV/AIDS, may receive Case Management Services through the Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc., 5500 Knoll North Drive, Suite 370, Columbia, Maryland 21045.

Phone number: 410-884-7831; Fax number: 410-715-3734.

Medical Services – Resources for Care for Indigent/Uninsured Howard County residents

Howard County individuals living with HIV/AIDS who qualify for Ryan White A Program* services for the indigent/ uninsured may access medical services through two existing programs in Howard County.

These two providers are:

• Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc. 5500 Knoll North Drive, Suite 370, Columbia, Maryland 21045. Phone number: 410-884-7831; Fax number: 410-715-3734.

• Johns Hopkins HIV Team, Howard County Medical Pavilion, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 420, Columbia, Maryland 21044. Phone number 410-614-3055 or 443-546-1500.

*The Ryan White Care Act is the United States' largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White Care Act funds programs to improve availability of care for low-income, uninsured and under-insured victims of AIDS and their families. It is also the "payer of last resort," which subsidizes treatment when no other resources are available.

HIV Community Advisory Board (CAB)

• The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is made up of community members who are living with HIV/AIDS who meet on a quarterly basis.

• Infected and affected CAB members advocate for the needs of Ryan White recipients.

• Individuals living with HIV/AIDS who live in Howard County, are invited to stop by to visit or to join this membership.

• Call 410-313-6267 for more information.