Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

The Wellness Program | Ryan White Grant

The MWHC Wellness Program | Ryan White Grant serves our community to help those living with HIV and AIDS to navigate healthcare, understand medications, and assist in finding financial and emotional support options.

Wellness Program clients who are interested in understanding what assistance is available for them can come to the program office. Our staff will assist clients in understanding eligibility requirements, general conditions and restrictions.

For more information, contact us at 540.374.3279 or email Wellness.Program@mwhc.com. The Wellness Program office is located on the Mary Washington Hospital campus in the Tompkins-Martin Medical Plaza, 1101 Sam Perry Blvd., Suite 318, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401. Transportation to this location is available on the local Fred Bus.

FREE At-Home HIV Test Kits

OraQuick® is the first FDA-approved oral swab in-home test for HIV-1 and HIV-2. It's an oral swab test that doesn't require blood. It's completely private. And it's based on the same HIV test that healthcare professionals have used since 2004.

With the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, you can take the first step toward learning your HIV status. Find out in just 20 minutes in the comfort and privacy of your own home. The results are completely confidential.

OraQuick is from OraSure Technologies, a company with a long and trusted history of leadership and innovation in HIV testing. For years, it has been the company healthcare professionals have used for HIV tests.

For more information, visit oraquick.com.

Kit Can Be Mailed

If you are concerned about leaving your house for an HIV test, the Mary Washington Wellness Program has FREE at-home test kits available for Virginia residents to check their HIV status in just 20 minutes.

If you would like to receive a FREE kit, please fill out this form and someone from our team will be in contact with you or call 540.374.3279. A discreetly packaged kit will be mailed directly to you for your convenience.

As a reminder, we continue to offer free in-office HIV testing at 1101 Sam Perry Blvd, Suite 304; Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

Back to top

Are You Worried About Contracting HIV? Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The MWHC Wellness Program team will help guide you through strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The team is open minded and will allow you to ask any question you have regarding sexual practices.

If you would like to start Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis call the office at 540.374.3279. Our team will connect you with a caring physician to manage your health care and medications. The program has options to help with the cost of medical visits, labs and medications.

Back to top

FREE Condoms

If you are in need of condoms or lube and can't visit our Wellness Program office, please fill out this form and our team will mail them to you.

When used properly, condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Part of effective use includes using a non-oil based lubricant to reduce breakage.

CDC Resource: Proper Condom Use

Back to top

HIV Prevention, Education, & Resources

Are you worried about contracting HIV? Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

The MW Wellness Program team will help guide you through strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The team is open minded and will allow you to ask any question you have regarding sexual practices.

If you would like to start Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, call our office at 540.374.3279. Our team will connect you with a caring physician to manage your health care and medications. The program has options to help with the cost of medical visits, labs and medications.

Are you concerned you have been exposed to HIV? Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication you can take to reduce the risk of contraction after a possible exposure. Call as soon as possible to talk with our team. The medication must be started within 72 hours of an unprotected sexual experience. Let us help you with your concern. 540.374.3279.

Request a Speaker

If you are in need of an educator or speaker for your group meeting, please use this form to request a speaker.

Back to top

Sexually Transmitted Infections

You may be at increased risk for contracting STIs if you:

  • Are having unprotected sex
  • Have multiple partners
  • Have a history of STIs
  • Are being forced to engage in sexual activity
  • Misuse alcohol or use recreational drugs
  • Are unsure how to be sexually healthy

If you are sexually active and worried that you may have contracted a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), contact one of our Medical Case Managers today at 540.374.3279.

Back to top

HIV Medication Information

We are here to help.
If you are not sure about your HIV and other medications, we can help you sort out what is current and needed. We can also help you optimize timing and administration of the medications for the best absorption.

Our goal is to help all clients reach an undetectable level. Give us a call to meet with one of our medical case managers today 540.374.3279.

U=U means Undetectable=Untransmittable.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The MWHC Wellness Program team will help guide you through strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The team is open minded and will allow you to ask any question you have regarding sexual practices.

If you would like to start Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, call the office at 540.374.3279. Our team will connect you with a caring physician to manage your health care and medications. The program has options to help with the cost of medical visits, labs, and medications.

The Virginia AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) provides access to life-saving medications for the treatment of HIV and related illnesses for low-income clients through the provision of medications or through assistance with insurance premiums and medication co-payments.

The program is primarily supported with federal Ryan White (RW) Treatment Extension Act Part B grant funding, which is distributed by a formula based on living HIV and AIDS cases to all states and territories in the United States.

We also have a way to help you dispose of the old and unwanted medications, just give us a call at 540.374.3279.

Back to top

HIV Self Care

Are You Worried About Contracting HIV?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The MWHC Wellness Program team will help guide you through strategies to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The team is open minded and will allow you to ask any question you have regarding sexual practices.

If you would like to start Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, call the office at 540.374.3279. Our team will connect you with a caring physician to manage your health care and medications. The program has options to help with the cost of medical visits, labs, and medications.

Are you concerned you have been exposed to HIV?

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication you can take to reduce the risk of contraction after a possible exposure. Call as soon as possible to talk with our team. The medication must be started within 72 hours of an unprotected sexual experience. Let us help you with your concern. 540.374.3279.

Sleep & HIV

While sleep is important for anyone, the American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes that sleep is a particularly important factor among Americans living with HIV. The APA found 30-40% of HIV-positive adults report some difficulty with sleep, ranging from occasional difficulties falling asleep, to interrupted sleep patterns, to waking up after only a few hours of sleep, to insomnia.

Are you getting enough sleep?

Considering the challenges of the past year, the answer is likely a resounding “NO!” Sleep is such an important part of our lives, that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) began to study the self-reported sleep patterns of American adults a few years ago. The CDC found that one-third of American adults report getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) also found that most Americans report feeling sleepy during daylight hours, an average of three times per week. According to the NSF 55% of American adults report they do not sleep well at night, while 44% report not getting enough sleep.

We all know that a good night’s sleep makes us feel better, and most of us have experienced changes in mood, irritability, or confusion, when we are unable to sleep. Sleep disturbances, and sleep disorders also impact our overall health, however, and are linked to:

  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Obesity
  • Depression
  • Headaches, and Migraines

Potential Causes of Sleep Disturbances Among Persons Living With HIV

  • Chronic insomnia shortly after HIV-infection
  • Side effects of Antiretroviral Therapy
  • Side effects of HIV-infection
  • Stressful life events and challenges

Get a “Good Night’s Sleep”

Easier said than done, most of us would say, but the CDC and sleep experts recommend the following for a better night’s sleep:

  • Establish a routine, and go to bed around the same time every night
  • Check your environment: Is it dark enough or too dark for you? Is the room temperature comfortable? Is it quiet, or too quiet for you? Find what works for you.
  • Do not take your phone to bed or silence your phone if you feel comfortable doing so. Unless it is an emergency-it can wait until you have your first cup of coffee in the morning
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or large meals right before you go to bed
  • Give yourself some “down time”-turn the TV off, listen to relaxing music, listen to relaxing sounds
  • Avoid naps during the day
  • Take a warm bubble bath before sleep
  • Don’t use your bedroom as an office
  • Make a list of things of things to worry you, and things to remember, before you go to bed and remind yourself that you will “tackle” that list in the morning
  • And most importantly: Talk to your doctor if difficulties with sleep persist or begin to impact your physical and mental health!

We Can Help

Medical case managers are available to assist with sleep strategies and connect you with a specialist if needed. Call our office at 540.374.3279 to speak to someone.

Back to top

COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines

What to know about COVID-19 and HIV (CDC resources)

COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters

Ryan White Covid-19 FAQs

Flu Shot

Please contact our office to get your flu shot today! 540.374.3279.

Why is Getting the Flu Shot So Important? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDEmGUqT8U0

Back to top

Podcasts

Back to top

COVID-19 Guidance Info

Living with HIV?

Staying well and protecting yourself from COVID-19.

People who live with HIV should always protect themselves against viruses and infections.

  • Limit exposure to others by staying home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Get adequate rest.
  • Take all medications on a regular schedule.
  • Eat well, with emphasis on colorful vegetables.
  • Drink plenty of water – you are adequately hydrated if your urine is pale yellow.

If you feel unwell, take your temperature every couple of hours. Call our office at 540.374.3279 if your temperature elevates or call the MWHC Nurse Advice Line at 540.741.1000 (available 7 days a week 7:00 a.m.–midnight).

Back to the top
Related Locations