NEPA Regional HIV Services

From feeling overwhelmed to simply forgetting, it's normal to run into challenges with taking your HIV medication. But, even missing one dose a month can make your treatment less effective. The good news is that there are ways to help you take every dose, every day. Learn more from the CDC: http://northeastpahiv.org//Why-People-Miss-HIV-Medication-

For more than 45 years, The Wright Center has been healing, teaching and discovering with one purpose in mind: improving the health and welfare of our community through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. To learn more, visit https://thewrightcenter.org/

Are you up to date on all of your vaccines? Wyoming Valley AIDS Council is offering recommended vaccines for anyone living with HIV regardless of agency affiliation on Mondays from 10-2PM in Hazleton and Fridays from 10-2PM in Wilkes Barre. Vaccines are offered by appointment only. To schedule your appointment, call either the Hazleton or Wilkes-Barre office at the numbers below. Hazleton Information:... 1710 E Broad Street, Ste A, Hazleton PA 18201 570-459-6030 Wilkes-Barre Information: 250 Old River Road, Suite C, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 570-823-5808

Good mental health will help you live your life to the fullest and is essential to successfully treating HIV. To learn more about keeping yourself and your loved ones mentally healthy, visit https://www.cdc.gov//basi/livingwithhiv/mental-health.html

Today, June 5th, also marks 40 years since the first five cases of what later became known as AIDS were officially reported. This anniversary is a time to reflect, recommit, reenergize, and reengage it's time to end the HIV epidemic. Join us in observing this day.

You can make a difference in stopping HIV stigma by learning more about HIV and sharing that knowledge with others. You can do this in person or on social media. All that matters is that you take action. Let's stop HIV together. Learn more about HIV education here: https://www.cdc.gov/stophivt/hiv-stigma/educate-others.html

Even though HIV diagnoses do not carry the weight they once did, the stigma surrounding those living with HIV is still present. Help end the stigma by educating those around you and shifting your own internal view of yourself. YOU choose how you want to be defined, regardless of your status. By sticking to your medication and prioritizing your health, you can live your life how you want.

June 5th is HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day. This day honors long-term survivors of the epidemic and raises awareness of their needs, issues and journeys. This year's theme is "AIDS at 40: Envisioning A Future We Never Imagined" also serves as a call to action. People living with HIV/AIDS deserve to age with dignity. Today is a reminder to look ahead and set a plan of action. For more information, visit https://www.hltsad.org/

Exciting news! The FDA recently approved Cabenuva, the first extended-release, injectable drug regimen for adults living with HIV. To make this good news even better: it is now available in our region! Talk to your doctor today to see if Cabenuva is right for you. ... Learn more: https://www.fda.gov//fda-approves-first-extended-release-i

It is challenging when someone is first diagnosed HIV positive. People experience different emotions, when first learning about living with HIV, and it takes a while to figure all this out. It is best to seek professional assistance from a doctor, who can explain treatment. You can live a normal life with regular treatment and by taking medications prescribed by your physician. Take care of yourself and speak with people who understand HIV. Remember, taking medications every day is the best way to maintain good health and a normal life. In the meantime, explore our resources: http://northeastpahiv.org/reading-materials/

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and today is National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

Have you read through the Ryan White Handbook? It outlines many services we offer, including home health care. You may be eligible to receive skilled nursing, preventative and speciality care, and administration of prescribed therapeutics all at home. Learn more about the services we offer by visiting http://northeastpahiv.org/ryan-white-handbook-english/

In recent years, an overwhelming body of clinical evidence has firmly established the HIV Undetectable=Untransmittable, or U=U, concept as scientifically sound. U=U means that people with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral loadthe amount of HIV in the bloodby taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) daily as prescribed cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. Thus, treatment for HIV is a powerful arrow in the quiver of HIV prevention tools. Read more about how a durably undetectable viral load prevents HIV transmission here: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-con/treatment-prevention

Sister Ruth Neely, a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) at The Wright Center for Community Health's Ryan White HIV Clinic, recently received recognition from a national health care advocacy organization as part of its "Year of the Nurse" campaign. Congratulations, Sister Ruth! To read more about this recognition, visit https://patch.com//wright-centers-ruth-neely-crnp-honored-

Being diagnosed with HIV is hard enough, let alone managing it. Starting or sticking to your treatment plan may not always be on the top of your mind, but it is vitally important in living a healthy life. HIV works like this: it attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells of the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and even certain HIV-related cancers. HIV treatment, otherwise known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), prevents HIV from multiplying, thus reducing your overall viral load. The less of the virus you have in your body, the better off your immune system is. That's why it is so important to stay on treatment! To start or continue HIV treatment, contact us today. We can help you on the path to living a healthier life.

Sister Ruth Neely, of The Religious Sisters of Mercy, is a certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP) who sees patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Ryan White Clinic. A graduate of Misericordia University, she has devoted her life to serving the vulnerable and underserved. Sister Ruth recently received recognition from a national health care advocacy organization as part of its "Year of the Nurse" campaign. Learn more here: https://patch.com//wright-centers-ruth-neely-crnp-honored-

Even in a normal year, winter weather and long nights can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing. This winter and the COVID-19 pandemic may make the winter blues even more challenging particularly for people who have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or depression. To support your wellbeing, try some of these tips from M Health: 1. Connect virtually with friends and family 2. Prioritize sleep and healthy eating... 3. Try light therapy 4. Stay active - get outside! 5. Take a break from your phone and social media For more tips to stay mentally well this winter, visit https://www.mhealth.org//covid-19-and-winter-seasonal-ment