At the end of 2010, the American South accounted for 45% of the estimated 33,015 new AIDS diagnoses in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, followed by the Northeast (24%), the West (19%), and the Midwest (13%).1
On the front lines of this epidemic, The University of Alabama-Birmingham 1917 Clinic serves more than 3,200 patients, making it the largest HIV healthcare unit in the region most impacted by new AIDS diagnoses. The clinic receives support through a grant from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act and the 340B Drug Discount Program to provide access to comprehensive healthcare for low-income, uninsured and underinsured HIV infected adults regardless of any pre-existing or non-HIV related condition(s).
“340B is the only tool that enables us to stay afloat, caring for HIV patients who have no other access to care and helping limit the instances of disease transfer in ways no other entity can or does in the State of Alabama,” 1917 Ryan White Program Manager David Butler says.
“Poor adherence is the major cause of [HIV] therapeutic failure.”2
“We know there are myriad barriers to excellent medication adherence among chronically ill patients, especially patients with infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C receiving care from 340B covered entities,” says Jake Caines, director of client strategy and performance for Curant Health. Curant’s medication management protocols, pharmacy fulfillment services and high-touch care are proven to improve adherence, patient outcomes and maximize the collective investment in the 340B program.
In 2011 UAB established a relationship with Curant Health to provide a robust suite of medication management services including individually customized prescription fulfillment for its 1917 Clinic HIV patients.
Curant Health also provides patient consultation on potential medication side effects, proper storage of HIV medications, methods to receive medication discretely and adherence packaging designed to ensure medication is taken at the proper time. Patients who use Curant for their medication management and fulfillment experience lower viral loads, higher CD4 counts, and lower A1C counts compared to traditional pharmacies.
Medication management proven to improve HIV treatment outcomes and adherence.
In a study presented during the 10th International Conference on HIV Treatment and Prevention Adherence, out of 157 HIV patients whose viral loads were not suppressed prior to enrollment in Curant’s medication management protocols, 103 have now achieved viral suppression.
One patient in her own words.
1917 Clinic patient Gwendolyn P. was diagnosed with HIV later in life, and did not start taking antiviral medication until recently. She was in a depressive state. Her father was sick, and she was out of work. She couldn’t afford her medication.
“I’m 50 and felt like giving up,” Gwendolyn said. “[Since] I got introduced to the clinic and Curant, I am now able to afford my medication thanks to 340B. I take my medication regularly. The 340B program changed my life. I am so blessed to find you all.”
Curant Health is committed to improving the health outcomes and lives for the most difficult to treat, chronically ill patients including those with HIV.
To learn more about Curant’s HIV Treatment Program, C The Cure Program for hepatitis C or 340B Program including medication management protocols proven to improve medication adherence, patient outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs, contact Kristin Lindsey at klindsey@curanthealth.com or call 866-437-8040.
Citations:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/geographicdistribution.html
- NIH/AIDSinfo - https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/1/adult-and-adolescent-arv-guidelines/30/adherence-to-art