Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U)
In recent years, an overwhelming body of clinical evidence has firmly established the HIV Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) concept as scientifically sound, say officials from the National Institutes of Health. U=U means that people living with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load—the amount of HIV in the blood—by taking and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed cannot sexually transmit the virus to others.
The U=U campaign was developed by members of the HIV community to increase awareness about the relationship between viral suppression and the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV. For more information, visit preventionaccess.org
The following are available to clients through their case managers:
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one-on-one linkage to care
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assistance with applications for insurance, housing, social service, and entitlement programs
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help to address legal, mental health, and substance use issues
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risk-reduction counseling to prevent the spread of HIV
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emergency assistance for dental care, eye care, and other medical expenses (income guidelines and annual cap apply)
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emergency assistance with rent, mortgage, and utility payments (income guidelines and an annual cap apply)
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rental subsidies (income guidelines and rent standards apply; wait list time varies).
Housing Assistance
Stable, affordable housing is closely linked to successful HIV outcomes. Frannie Peabody Center proudly partners with fellow HIV/AIDS service providers to administer statewide housing assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS in Maine funded by the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development.
Eligibility:
HOPWA assistance is available for low-income Maine residents living with HIV/AIDS who meet application requirements and income guidelines.
People utilizing U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) assistance, such as, Section 8, Shelter + Care, SHP and SRO Mod Rehab,
are not eligible for HOPWA services.
Housing Assistance for People Living with HIV/AIDS:
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People living with HIV/AIDS may be eligible for short-term financial assistance with rent, mortgage, and utility payments to help maintain stable housing.
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Rental subsidies are available through the Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program.
Contact Information for Housing Assistance
If you are interested in short-term financial assistance for housing expenses, contact your case manager to complete the appropriate paperwork. If you do not have an HIV case manager, contact us at 207.774.6877.
Outside Cumberland and York counties, contact your local AIDS Service Organization (ASO). Locate an ASO in your area.
Behavioral Health Counseling
In 2015, Frannie Peabody Center became licensed with the State of Maine to provide mental health counseling. These in-house services ensure quality care with a specialized knowledge of HIV treatment, transmission, risk, and the impact stigma can have on the path to health stability. Our Counseling position is currently vacant, and we are actively hiring. We appreciate your patience as we try to fill this critical role. These services are offered to individuals regardless of HIV status.
Referrals to Behavioral Health Services
If you are a provider looking to refer an individual to FPC’s behavioral health program, please know we are working hard to fill this position at the agency, and will keep this section updated as the position fills.
If you are an individual looking for counseling services, please call 207.774.6877.
Insurance Accepted:
Currently, FPC’s Behavioral Health Program accepts MaineCare, Medicare, Cigna, Community Health Options, Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem BlueCross BlueShield.
Prevention Services
Frannie Peabody Center provides rapid low-barrier, confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing, as well as linkage to care, education and awareness.
The program also offers help with PrEP and PEP navigation.
For the full array of services and information, visit our Prevention Page.