ABOUT

AIDS Response Effort, Inc. (ARE)’s began its’ journey into community health care nearly 30 years ago when a handful of concerned members in our community came together to begin addressing the AIDS crisis in the Winchester community, at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980’s. Their initial effort was in establishing a support group and “buddy” system for those living with HIV/AIDS.

 

The HIV epidemic has changed these past 30 years, and with that the needs of those living with HIV in our community has changed. To address the needs of those we serve, we have incorporated an integrative approach to the wellness of our clients. We offer a variety of medical and support services for our clients today, which includes: physician visits, lab work, dental care, mental health, substance use services, wellness, support group, transportation, nutrition services, education, financial counseling, and housing assistance.
ARE has a comprehensive housing program that includes case management, rental, utility, and mortgage assistance, as well as financial counseling and budget management. Homelessness and lack of affordable housing is a reality nationwide, and our community is no exception. ARE is committed to addressing and ending homelessness in the Lord Fairfax Health District (the counties of Frederick, Warren, Clarke, Page, Shenandoah, and Winchester City).
We have been fortunate to expand our Education & Prevention services over the last ten years. We offer access to condoms and PrEP for HIV prevention. We can assist clients in insurance enrollment and access to preventive medication (PrEP) at no cost to the client.

 

Our HIV testing has expanded across the community and we now combine HIV testing with Hepatitis C testing. The Baby Boomer generation, as well as those who have injected drugs, are at high risk for Hepatitis C. We provide free, confidential testing and access to Hepatitis C treatment at no cost to the client.

 

The ARE Education Team also seeks to end the stigma around HIV, LGBTQ identity, and sexual health. We offer Gender Identity trainings to the community and can adjust the training based around the intended audience.

ARE has grown and expanded services that we feel are most needed to help our community thrive and live healthfully.

We offer quality, compassionate care to those most underserved in our community.

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