Provides compassionate, quality care for men and women with HIV/AIDS. Developed over five years ago by HIV health and support service providers from several hospitals, the program enables 25 clinicians and support staff to care for hundred of individuals with HIV disease. Guided by our mission that all people with HIV should have access to expert medical care, our practice also cares for underinsured and uninsured individuals.

At the Partnership, we listen to our patients. In fact the PWA Advisory Board, a dedicated panel of consumers and Partnership patients, was created to provide staff with ongoing feedback regarding improvement of patient services.

With support from the institution and several service grants, the program offers patients with a full range of services to meet all of their medical and emotional needs. Patients with an established source of health care can be referred to the Partnership by their provider for expert consultative care.

Benefits of Partnership include:

Medical Care

Our program offers patients state-of-the-art HIV primary medical care provided by expert, specialized professionals. Our affiliation with a major medical institution allows us to utilize a vast array of medical resources. We provide around-the-clock coverage so that our patients know that they can count on the Partnership's support whether at home, in the hospital, in a treatment program or in the hospice setting.

Women's Services

The Partnership has made the commitment to meet the special needs of women with HIV disease. Comprehensive gynecologic screening services include Pap testing, colposcopy, LEEP and biopsy services. In ad dition, comprehensive HIV care for women during pregnancy ensures an optimal outcomes for the mother and infant during the prenatal and postpartum periods.

Case Management

Our case managers work closely with patients to assist them in accessing information about community resources that are available to help meet their needs. These resources address a number of areas including medical, economic, and practical concerns. Our case managers serve as advocates by working with patients to remove barriers to accessing services, and are a source of ongoing support to patients and their families as they cope with the stress of a chronic and challenging disease.

Nutritional Services

A registered dietitian provides ongoing nutritional assessment and counseling to all patients as part of their regular medical care. Problem areas are identified and addressed early and patients are educated on healthy, proactive nutritional practices. Services include nutritional assessment, bioelectrical impedance, diet counseling (diet management of both HIV and non-HIV related disorders), supplement distribution, referral to community food resources, group classes and food safety instruction.

Pharmacy Services

Clinical pharmacy services are available at the Partnership. The pharmacist discusses what medicines the patient will take, when and how to take them, expected benefits and possible side effects of the patient's drug therapy. The pharmacist may call some patients to assist with problems that may arise regarding medications. The Pharmacist is available as a drug information resource for the entire Partnership staff and may provide your local drug store with information to assist them in processing your requests.

Dental Care

An arrangement with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine affords us access to practitioners with expertise in the dental health management of persons with HIV disease. In addition to routine screenings and comprehensive dental care, our clients may obtain treatment of oral cavity lesions and periodontal disease management.

Mental Health Counseling

The Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice (PCCP) offers counseling and psychiatric services for those patients enrolled at PCCP. Individual, couples, and family psychotherapy services as well as psychiatric evaluations and medication management services are available. Treatment providers include licensed psychologists, psychology interns, and psychiatrists. Therapy is typically once per week, depending upon patient needs and issues. Individuals interested in becoming involved with this service should contact their provider or case manager at PCCP.

Research & Development

Clinical research is an integral part of health care and one of the best ways to get new and improved treatments or access to new medications. The clinical trials and research opportunities available here at the Partnership evaluate experimental drugs and treatment options for patients at all stages of HIV disease. Our Clinical Drug Study Coordinator guides patients through all stages of the research process and provides expert coordination of the healthcare of all research participants.

Benefits of enrolling into a clinical trial

• You may gain access to investigational new drugs to treat your HIV infection that are otherwise unavailable.
• If you are uninsured, you may be able to receive medication, medical exams, laboratory tests, and information about your health for free.
• Your health will be monitored more closely.
• If you have tried most of the anti-HIV drugs that are already approved by the FDA, and your virus is now resistant to them, you may have the opportunity to be treated with newer drugs that are not yet on the market.
• Your participation may also help the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) decide whether the drugs being tested work in suppressing your HIV (lowering the amount of HIV in your blood), and if they are safe for you and other people that are infected with HIV.

Risks of participating in a clinical trial

• You might not be able to continue the medications that you are taking for other illnesses while you are on the study.
• The treatment might not work for you
• There may be side effects from the new drug
• You may have to see your doctor more than you are able to

To learn more about The Partnership, view our video, "To Some, The Partnership Is More Than Health."

The Partnership welcomes the opportunity to assist individuals in obtaining the HIV-related services they require. If you are interested in quality comprehensive care provided by specialized professionals for yourself or for a client, please contact The Partnership via telephone at (215) 762-2530.