IMMEDIATE

New center cares for HIV-infected women and infants

DALLAS- Parkland Health & Hospital System has opened a new integrated clinic for HIV infected post-partum women and their infants called the Women's Specialty Center. The new clinic is the first in the Dallas area providing a "one stop shop" approach to health care for HIV-infected women and their children. At this facility, a medical team provides gynecology, pediatrics and primary care services. The new clinic aims to reduce barriers facing HIV-impacted families by ensuring all disciplines are working together in the best interest of the patient. Previously, infected women had to seek treatment at multiple medical facilities between Parkland and Children's Medical Center of Dallas. "HIV-infected women face many challenges, caring for the newborn, themselves and sometimes other children. The fear of their baby living with the disease motivates them to care for the infant first," often leaving them lacking in care for themselves, said Laura N. Armas-Kolostroubis MD, Clinical Director of the Texas/Oklahoma AIDS Education and Training Center. "Multiple agencies coming together to deliver services in an integrated way is a powerful statement." The clinic has partnered with local nonprofit agencies. On-site child care is provided by Bryan's House, a local nonprofit caring for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Transportation for patients is available through the AIDS Interfaith Network, another local nonprofit, faith-based HIV/AIDS organization. The new center is made possible by funding through Johnson & Johnson and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's Dallas Family Access Network, a group of eight local nonprofit organizations that coordinate medical and support services for HIV-positive women, children and their families. For more information about services, call 214.266.1870. Parkland Health & Hospital System offers comprehensive services and research activities to individuals infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. These services assist not only the HIV/AIDS patient, but also family and friends coping with the disease. As the premier health care facility in this area for HIV infection, Parkland is able to provide excellent care from the beginning to advanced stages of disease through investigational studies and therapies not available to the general public. The hospital's affiliation with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas ensures the highest standards of care and research.

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For Further Information Contact: Lynsey Purl 214.590.8054