HIV Clinic
Whether you’re a young person seeking information about HIV for yourself or you’re an adult seeking care for a child, we treat you confidentially and respectfully. Our patients include:
- Newborns and older babies exposed to HIV because their mothers are HIV positive
- Babies, children and teens who have already tested positive for HIV
- Children who have experienced a potential exposure to HIV (through sexual assault, accidental needle exposure or other incidents)
- Adolescents and teens who are at risk for HIV – possibly due to sexual activity
If you are pregnant and you’re HIV positive – or think you’ve been exposed – we welcome you to talk with us. We offer important advice about medications and how to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby during pregnancy, delivery and after birth.
We offer a wide range of services, including:
Expectant mothers who are HIV positive can schedule a visit to discuss their baby’s health. Although they receive their prenatal care elsewhere, we provide important information about how women can reduce the risk of HIV transmission during pregnancy, delivery and beyond. We also offer specialized care and testing for newborns immediately after birth.
Our nutritionist monitors growth measures for all our children and is available with advice and tips on how to encourage children and families to eat foods that will support their medical treatment.
If a child has been exposed to HIV through a needle stick, sexual assault or another type of incident, we offer special medications as soon as possible to reduce the risk of HIV infection. This treatment is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and it’s extremely effective in preventing HIV if the child starts the medication within 72 hours after exposure.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is for young people, ages 13 to 24, who do not currently have HIV but may be exposed through unprotected sexual activity or injection drug use. We offer medicines that reduce their risk of HIV infection, plus health and safety education. Funding is available for young people who do not have insurance.
Children who’ve just received an actual HIV diagnosis can start taking a combination of antiretroviral medicines right away. Early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes, fewer heart and kidney issues and better overall health.
We offer the latest HIV medications (called antiretroviral therapy) to all children with HIV. Treatment does not cure HIV, but it helps children stay healthy, reduces the amount of HIV in the body and reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to someone else in the future. We also provide periodic testing, nutritional guidance and support services.
Additional Support
Through groups, retreats and fun activities, young people with HIV can interact with each other in a positive, supportive environment. Parents and family members can also attend family support groups.
To help our young patients and advance our overall knowledge about HIV care, we conduct research and clinical trials.
Our team members work closely with community agencies to access and enhance services for patients with HIV and their families and spread the word about HIV care and prevention. We talk in schools and to local youth groups about HIV risk and prevention.
We also partner with Positively You, an online program where young people with HIV can communicate, support each other and learn about low-cost or free medical services. The Bill Holt Pediatric HIV Clinic receives support from the Federal Ryan White Part D Program.