Approximately 20% of those living with HIV are not getting medical care on a regular basis. The North Carolina Positive Charge Initiative works to identify and bring into care those who know their HIV+ status but are not engaged in medical care. Teams of Access Coordinators are working in three areas of the state, the rural Northeast, Wilmington area, and Mecklenburg County in non-traditional HIV settings to identify people who aren’t in care, and with HIV organizations to support clients who are new to care or who need additional support adhering to HIV medical care.

There are many reasons that someone who knows their HIV+ status would not be engaged in medical care. The reasons are as different as the individuals but include, fear, stigma, denial, lack of insurance, lack of knowledge about available medical care, poverty, homelessness, or active substance use.

The NC Positive Charge Initiative uses a team-based peer model to identify, connect to care, and support those who are out of care. Access Coordinators receive special training (PETS and Access Coordinator training) and work within their agencies and the broader community to find clients.

The North Carolina Community AIDS Fund is the project lead; Hertford County Public Health Authority, Partners In Caring (PIC), Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN), and the Mecklenburg County Health Department have teams of 2-3 Access Coordinators working in the field; Partners In Caring provided the initial PETS training.

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)