STATEMENT FROM AIDS ALABAMA SOUTH RE COVID-19:

 

 

HIV Testing Update:

We are back to offering testing on an appointment-only, drive-up basis.
To schedule a drive-up appointment for free HIV testing, please contact Shan Thompson at 251-471-5277 EXT: 6100

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To our valued clients and community partners:

 

AIDS Alabama South is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people living with HIV or AIDS through inclusive and empowering support services and HIV prevention education.  The health and safety of our community is our priority.

 

In the interest of the health and well-being of the communities we serve, as well as our staff, we are sending this information about our plans related to the prevention of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As an organization that knows Prevention = Treatment, and in compliance with public health mandates, we are reducing public gatherings at this time to help prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

 

AIDS Alabama South will modify service and program schedules and will cancel all public events.

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Please note the following information beginning Tuesday, March 17:

 

• AIDS Alabama South will be implementing a work-from-home policy for all staff not providing essential services. *Our main office will be closed with the exception of scheduled appointments to meet with social work staff.

• Our main phone line is open.  Call 251-471-5277.  Please leave a message with your name and return phone number and the reason for your call.  We will get your message to your social worker or the appropriate person to help you.

• All staff direct office phone numbers will be forwarded to reach us individually on our mobile phones.  If you have our direct office line, please dial that number and we will answer or return the call within an hour.

• Email us and we will make sure your email is forwarded to the appropriate person.

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What Does This Mean?

Case Management, Intake/Eligibility, emergency services, and Food Bank will continue only for extreme emergencies and by appointment only.

 

No walk-in testing will be provided. Clients calling with emergent needs will be directed to a doctor.

 

All group meetings and community programming will be suspended. We will continue to assess the health risks and guidance from the CDC and local authorities with the goal of restarting all programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

All outside events and meetings scheduled are canceled. Access to our agency during normal business hours will be limited and by appointment only.

 

At our facility, we have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting for the protection of staff and clients.  As a community that knows how to care for one another, we ask that you help ensure the health and safety of our community with these actions:

 

• Stay home when you are sick. Staying home when ill helps prevent the spread of infections to others.

• Be aware of where new cases are located and avoid those areas.

• Use good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene. This means you should cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and put the used tissue in a wastebasket. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread easily when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their face.

• Practice other good health habits: clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces at home, work and school. Get plenty of sleep, stay physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and eat nutritious food.

 

To Learn More:

• Contact AIDS Alabama South at 251-471-5277

• Email AIDS Alabama South, click here to the appropriate department.

• Send a Direct Message on Facebook, which is being checked regularly. We will also post updates on social media as needed.

 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this rapidly evolving situation. We will provide additional information ongoing.

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