Allies case managers are focused on providing comprehensive resources for people living with HIV. Case managers work with their client to create a plan to help them manage their HIV diagnosis with confidence and independence.
Recently, two individuals reached out, seeking to transfer their care to Allies. Michael Latady, client service manager – retention in care specialist, assisted these clients in getting connected with the support they needed.
The first client had never sought Ryan White support and was struggling because he had not been able to get his needed medications.
“He hadn’t had mental health meds refilled in a month and was having withdrawal symptoms that were seriously impacting his work and ability to follow through with basic tasks,” Latady said.
“I spoke to him for about an hour, giving him a general understanding of how case management worked.”
Latady explained some of the benefits the client could access as part of the Ryan White program, including the Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program (SPBP), as well as the availability of Allies Pharmacy to get prescriptions. The client also was interested in switching his medical care to Allies’ clinic.
“By the end of our conversation, the client was feeling much calmer,” Latady said.
The second client was in a desperate situation involving intimate partner violence and had been without antiretroviral therapy for about a month. He also was looking to get services from Allies.
“He said many times how impressed he was by our knowledge around how to navigate these issues and how compassionate and patient we were,” Latady said.
Within 36 hours, the client was able to be seen by one of the providers in Allies’ clinic, and the case management team was able to submit his application for SPBP. The client was able to get his medication and was referred for behavioral health services at Allies as well.
Both clients were connected to support services that addressed their individual needs, which is something that Allies case managers provide to all their clients.
“One of the things I love about this work is being able to guide someone to resources while remaining grounded and calm,” Latady said. “Most people need someone to just listen while they're experiencing chaos. By the end of the conversation, although we didn't fix everything, they know there's hope and support.”
