SERVICES
The following is a general description of client services at BAO available to all eligible* BAO clients.
Services change periodically due to changes in resources. No direct payments can be made to a client.
Services by Appointment
Food & Personal Supplies - food once per month and personal supplies as available
Clothing Department - appointment times vary based on season
Counseling - available for individuals, couples or families by Licensed Therapist
Legal Services - available for HIV positive individuals by Licensed Attorney
Case Management Updates - required every 12 months; make appointment early to avoid lapse in service
Case Plan/Eligibility Reviews - required every 6 months; make appointment early to avoid lapse in service
Eligibility Requirements
Client must be HIV positive - all other current or past health conditions do not affect eligibility
Client's file must remain up to date, including all required documents
Client lives in or receives HIV medical care in Jefferson County, Alabama
Client is a full-time resident of Alabama
Client meets current income requirements which can vary by funder
Client has no other available resource to meet the needed service
If Client is suspended by BAO, no services will be provided for duration of suspension
Walk-In Services
Walk-In Service Hours are weekdays 10.00 AM - 11.30 AM and 12.30 PM - 4.00 PM, except Wednesdays, 2.30 PM - 6.00 PM.
Transportation – available once per week for appointments during the prior 7 days
-
Written verification of attendance required
-
Destinations limited to medically necessary appointments
Medication or Medical Items Assistance - prescription or letter required
Nutritional Supplements - Prescription required
P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Wonderful Support):
Pet Food provided by Greater Birmingham Humane Society - monthly sign-up required; supplies are limited
Pet Spay/Neuter and vaccination programs provided by The Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services (a special fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham).
Sisters In Style – weekly support group for HIV positive women, Thursday mid-day includes quilting, sewing, socialization, monthly lunches, activities
Brother-to-Brother – weekly support group for HIV positive men, Friday 11.30 AM - 1.00 PM
HIV Testing – OraSure and OraQuick available, free of charge and confidential
GED Classes – Tuesday 1.00 PM - 3.00 PM, offered for clients and their families
Referrals – available from Social Worker/Case Manager; list of resources available at front desk
Required Documents
Provide one time only: Letter signed by M.D. stating that client is HIV positive and needs case management support services to maintain stability
Provide every 6 months: Photo ID, Proof of Income, Proof of Alabama Residency, Health Insurance Card
Services
Case Management
Imagine trying to navigate through our complicated healthcare system while being HIV positive with a limited income and no reliable transportation, and no health insurance. Case management is provided by BAO Social Workers to ensure that the individuals we serve are receiving the care they need to stay healthy and strong. Our Social Workers maintain close relationships with clients and healthcare providers so that they can connect all of the dots and ensure our clients have all the tools they need to maintain healthy and productive lives.
Nutrition
Nutrition is a key factor in maintaining health. BAO offers a food pantry where clients receive a 50+ pound box of FRESH food each month through our B-FED Program. Nutritional supplments are also available for those who need them, as well as grocery store vouchers. Additionally, BAO provides clients with personal care products several times per year. Personal care products include soaps and detergents, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, etc.
Clothing & Home Goods
"C.E.'s Closet" is named after Mr. Charles Edward Watkins who volunteered in the BAO clothing department for many years. The clothing department is setup in department store fashion and also includes a home goods section. BAO is fortunate to receive high quality clothing donations including suits, cocktail attire, and leisure attire as well as shoes and winter items. Please consider donating your gently used clothes and home goods to BAO. Home goods include linens, blankets, flatware, and small appliances that our clients can easily take home.
Legal Services
P.A.W.S.
BAO is the only AIDS Service Organization in Alabama that offers free legal services for HIV positive individuals. Our legal department typically has over 100 open cases that include estate planning, marriages and divorces, child custody, social security hearings, discrimination issues, immigration issues, and working with inmates among other case types. The legal services program is funded by AIDS United. Each summer a legal intern is selected through a partnership with the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
It's important that our clients have reliable transporation to BAO, doctor's appointments, pharmacies, etc. BAO offers transporation assitance with gas vouchers and bus passes.
BAO recognizes the direct impact of HIV/AIDS on an individual's emotional and mental health and well-being. Research shows that individuals who maintain good mental and emotional health and stability, have better coping mechanisms to deal with the ongoing physical effects of a chronic disease. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health diagnoses found in people with HIV/AIDS. You are not alone. BAO offers two licensed counelors as well as support groups for women and men. Support groups meet weekly and have a catered lunch once a month.
P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Wonderful Support) is a unique partner program between BAO and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. We understand that pets are part of the family and provide companionship for many of the folks we serve. With the help of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and private donors, we ensure that our clients never have to worry about taking care of their pets by providing food. Vaccinations, spaying, and neutering, are also paid for by the Remy Fund for pets and animal services (a special fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham).
Emotional Support
Transportation
Sisters In Style is a support group for HIV positive women that meets every Thursday at BAO. Their meeting room is full of sewing machines, fabric, and materials. The fun group of women teach each other how to sew and work on projects together. BAO supplies all materials and the women take home anything that they make. Guest speakers also visit with this group and lunch is provided at least once monthly.
HIV meds are essential to maintain a healthy life for positive individuals. One of our priorities at BAO is ensuring that those we serve maintain adherence to their meds. With the help of the Ryan White CARE Act and other funding sources, BAO pays 100% of all prescriptions related to HIV as well as medical items our clients may need. Examples of medical items include eye glasses, hearing aids, orthopedic shoes, shower chairs, etc. For the small percentage of clients who have insurance, our Social Workers can assist them with co-pay assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Brother to Brother is a weekly support group for HIV positive men that means every Friday at BAO. The men gather, play games, have lunch, and discuss things that they are going through in life. Guest speakers often visit and talk with the men about issues facing HIV positive individuals, and healthy life styles.