Chronic illness can cause significant emotional distress ranging from anxiety to depression. The SIU staff realizes the importance of patients connecting with other patients. Different groups are facilitated to allow this interaction. Pay attention to the calendar on the home page for upcoming events.
Free Zone
A group called “Free Zone” is held the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the SIU for patient socialization and dinner. Experienced and new patients with HIV alike, meet to talk about different issues. Learn more about about Free Zone.
Mentoring Program
The staff at the SIU realizes that no one can understand a patient’s condition better than other patients. For this reason a mentoring program is in place. Patients become mentors through referral by their medical team. Mentors are trained volunteers and are connected with newly diagnosed patients or patients with a lack of support. Contact is solely via telephone.
Outreach/T.A.L.K
The staff at the SIU is passionate about reaching out to the community to educate about the different aspects of the disease, transmission and risk reduction. Educating individuals is the key to reducing the infection rates. Teaching Awareness /Linking Knowledge (T.A.L.K) is a collaboration of disciplines that exists to fulfill this need.
If you would like a staff member from T.A.L.K. to speak at a professional meeting, health fair or other event free of charge, please call 216-844-2462.
Patient Education
Patient education meetings are held every other month by the outreach group. A variety of topics are covered from basic HIV information to medication adherence. Patients who have a better understanding of the different aspects of HIV are able to make better choices and have improved outcomes.