The Wellness Program/HIV and AIDS

The purpose of The Wellness Program, previously known as The Ryan White Program, is to provide high quality non-medical care to HIV clients and enhance prevention programs in the community. Our providers and office staff have undergone extensive training to provide care that meets national standards. The program, funded by Ryan White grants, is linked to the Richmond AIDS consortium as well as the research protocols which are sponsored by the VCU School of Medicine.

Unlike Medicare or Medicaid, Ryan White programs are "payer of last resort," which fund treatment when no other resources are available. As AIDS has spread, the funding of the program has increased. The program provides some level of care for around 500,000 people per year nationally and in 2004, provided funds to 2,567 organizations. The programs also fund local and State primary medical care providers, support services, healthcare provider training programs, and provide technical assistance to such organizations.

The US Congress created the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act. Named in honor of Ryan White, an Indiana teenager who contracted AIDS through a tainted hemophilia treatment in 1984, the Act sought funding to improve availability of care for low income, uninsured and under-insured victims of AIDS and their families. Ryan was expelled from school because of the disease and became a well-known advocate for AIDS research and awareness, until his death on April 8, 1990.

Free HIV/AIDS testing will begin later summer.

Wellness Program patients who receive services must meet eligibility requirements and agree to general conditions and restrictions. For more information, contact 540-374-3279. The Wellness Program office is located on the Mary Washington Hospital campus in the Tompkins Martin Medical Plaza, Suite 304 and hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.