HIV Prevention Services

The Department of Health provides access to a comprehensive array of high quality, culturally-sensitive, supportive social services that will promote “wellness” and assure client accessibility to informational and educational materials and resources that will prevent disease and disability.

Case Management Services

Case management is a client-centered service that links clients with medically appropriate levels of health care and support services. A social worker, nurse or human services worker provides access to a continuity of care, ongoing assessment of the clients’ needs and personal support systems to ensure that clients remain in care. 

Through case management, clients may be able to receive some of the following services:         

• Dental Services—Referral to dental providers
• Emergency Financial Services—Help to pay utility bills and for other emergencies
• Housing Assistance—Emergency help for rental assistance and a limited number of housing vouchers
• Medical Care—Care given by Johns Hopkins Hospital working with Baltimore County Department of Health or referral to other providers
• Medications—Emergency help with payment for medication
• Outreach Services—Counseling and referral services for those who have dropped out of care or for those not yet getting medical care and other needed services
• Mental Health Services—Referral to mental health or psychiatric providers
• Substance Abuse Treatment—Referral to assessment centers
• Horizons Support Group—Friendship and support given in the Horizons Support Group and Women's Group. (Transportation is provided if needed and refreshments are served at no cost)
• Transportation Services—Transportation provided for medical appointments and other support services if funds are available

Persons who think they need case management can call 410-887-2437 for an intake/brief phone interview. Proof of income, residency and being HIV positive is required.

HIV Prevention

If you are HIV-negative, at-risk or recently exposed to HIV, you may be able to protect yourself with a daily pill via the following HIV prevention methods:

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—People who do not have HIV infection take a pill daily to lower their chances of becoming infected. and
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—People take anti-HIV medications after a recent possible exposure to the virus to try to reduce the risk of becoming infected. 

Call 1-888-788-7737 to locate providers, or 410-887-2437 to speak to a PrEP Case Manager who can assist you in being referred and linked to care.

Testing Locations and Schedules

If you are interested in an At–Home HIV testing kit, call 410-887-2437. View the "Why Get Tested" video for more information about the importance of HIV testing. 

Blood draws (needle) are used for testing for HIV and syphilis. OraQuick Advance, a rapid HIV antibody test that detects the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies through a finger stick test, is also used. OraQuick Advance has been shown to be over 99 percent accurate and provides results in 20 to 40 minutes. STI/Syphilis testing provides results in two weeks. You should be tested for HIV when your behaviors put you at risk for infection. Syphilis testing is available for clients who take a confidential HIV test. 

Testing is also available through the Harm Reduction Program. 

Client Advisory Board

The Client Advisory Board (CAB) is a group of organized volunteers who are dedicated to educating the community on HIV prevention and related issues, and vocating on behalf of HIV-positive or AIDS-infected County residents