A new statewide call center at UNC-Chapel Hill called ONE CALL will connect people diagnosed with HIV to the medical care, counseling, and other resources they need.
More than three quarters of those living with HIV in North Carolina do not seek treatment. Those who do receive proper treatment have a normal life expectancy and are much less likely to pass the virus on the their partners. Cindy Gay, an assistant professor of medicine at UNC, says trained nurses will staff ONE CALL and walk patients through some of the obstacles in getting care.
"Is transportation an issue? Do they have concerns about stigma, for example? Is the closest clinic always the best or is it better to go to a clinic that's further away?" says Gay.
Patients who don't have insurance will also be given counsel on free services and programs available in the state.
