Sinai Hospital Offers HIV Services

While today is World AIDS Day, every day is a chance for staff at LifeBridge Health to provide education and awareness about HIV and AIDS.

One example: the Women, Children and Youth HIV Program at Sinai Hospital reached 300 people in 2007 through presentations at schools and organizations, and more than 2,500 people at health fairs. In addition to these presentations, HIV outreach coordinator Robbin Alexander and program coordinator Sarah Raihl, L.C.S.W.-C., run the bimonthly Women’s HIV Support Group, which helps a core group of six women talk about issues ranging from dating to nutrition.The WCYP gives attention to the psychosocial aspects of this chronic disease.

WCYP services include ongoing support services, referrals to community, HIV services and other social support services, care coordination with medical providers, illness counseling, in- home outreach services, crisis intervention for those newly diagnosed or experiencing a crisis, and a twice-monthly Women's Support Group for HIV positive women.

Baltimore will join cities across the nation today and deck a signature landmark in red lights to observe World AIDS Day. The Washington Monument in Mount Vernon will become red at 7 p.m. There will be a service at 6 p.m. at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.

For more information about HIV services at Sinai Hospital, call 410-601-WELL (9355).