Oasis Okaloosa Aids Support And Informational Services Inc

Causes: Human Service Organizations, Human Services

Mission: To prevent the spread of hiv and support those affected by hiv/aids

Programs: Hiv testing & consulting, prevention, education & outreach: oasis is one of only three hiv testing sites in the northwest florida panhandle to provide the 20-minute rapid oral test for hiv and one of a few that also provides anonymous testing. The agency reaches a significant number of residents to provide free and confidential hiv testing, counseling, and referral services. Oasis is undoubtedly best known for its centers for disease control (cdc), federal, and state grant-funded prevention programs targeting at-risk populations as well as its annual nationally-acclaimed positive living conference, one of the last which focuses on the consumer. Education and outreach services for the public include curricula related to health/human services licensure requirements and awareness campaigns surrounding special events such as national hiv testing day.

case management: oasis provides case management services funded through the federal ryan white treatment modernization act, and coordinates and/or provides referrals to the aids drug assistance program (adap), project aids care (pac, a medicaid-waiver program), and the housing opportunities for persons with aids program (hopwa). Case managers assess clients' eligibility and help them to access federal programs such as medicaid, medicare, and social security and secure legal aid, humanitarian assistance, and mental health and substance abuse services. These programs help to ensure that consumers have access to primary medical care and services that are crucial for the maintenance of health and quality of life for those living with hiv disease and aids.

individual assistance: oasis serves as the only enrollment site in the florida panhandle for the aids insurance continuation program (aicp), a florida department of health funded program which helps to cover the cost of premiums for low-income working persons who are covered by private health insurance, and coordinates this service for many residents in the rural panhandle. The aicp program represents a smart, economical approach to healthcare and results in significant savings for florida citizens by ensuring continued medical care, keeping people healthy and allowing them to pursue productive lives. Oasis also provides limited direct humaitarian assistance through food pantry services, nutritional supplements, and emergeny services funding, supported primarily through private donations.