CARES is a program serving Morgan and Lawrence counties that works with the CDC’S ‘Ending HIV Epidemic’ initiative. We provide resources, advocacy, education, and support to the HIV positive community and to those that are at risk of contracting HIV. We offer the resources to find PrEP and PEP treatment, organize free HIV testing events, support services, and partner with local organizations to provide support and raise awareness for HIV.
We also provide education, host events, and strive to bring awareness towards Alzheimer's disease. Each year we organize several events to promote and raise funds and awareness towards Alzheimer's and Dementia. We host the Annual Caddell Alzheimer's Conference, Taking Steps Together Against Alzheimer’s, as well as Music and Memory, Alzheimer's Support Group each month, and more.
HIV is a virus that causes a person to develop AIDS, which weakens the person's immune system or ability to fight ordinary infections. Currently, there is not a cure for HIV, but there are treatment options available if you are at risk. HIV does not discriminate and is primarily spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, needles, and even breast milk. Some ways a person can protect themselves from contracting HIV are celibacy, using a condom correctly during intercourse, not sharing needles, and talking about HIV with your partner before intercourse. The symptoms of HIV vary and may take years before they show any sign. To find out of you have HIV, here are some options: Get tested, talk to a doctor, or give us a call at 256-353-1160 if you need assistance in finding a testing site.
Use the interactive online mapping tool below to visualizes the impact of the HIV epidemic on your community.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
Alzheimer's Program
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in the loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, or loss of intellectual function, among people aged 65 and older. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging.
Services for Families
The Mental Health Association in Morgan County provides the following services to individuals and families living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia:
- Family Support Group at MHA Office 1st Thursday - 7:00 p.m. Get Directions.
- Family consultations for support and information about dementia, caregiving, and community resources.
- Dementia education classes, training programs, and educational presentations for family and professional caregivers, clubs, service organizations, and church groups.
- Caregiver resource guide and lending library
- “Project Reach” Scholarships.
- Incontinence products. (application process)
- Nutritional supplements. (application process)
- A Music & MemorySM Certified Organization.
- Annual Lucy and John Caddell Alzheimer’s Conference.
- National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month Activities in NovemberCaddell Alzheimer's ConferenceThe conference is designed for family and professional caregivers, as well as nurses, social workers, licensed professional counselors, nursing home administrators, assisted living administrators, activity professionals, and the general public.Follow us on Facebook for more information.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV.
What is PEP?
Resource List
Thrive Alabama provides primary care to patients with HIV with or without insurance, they also offer free HIV testing on site and are also a provider of the medication PrEP.
The Morgan County Health Department offers WIC, environmental, home care, and clinical services to the public. Clinical services include: STD testing and treatment, family planning, childhood and other vaccines, and breast and cervical cancer screening. Certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates may be obtained from this health department.
Provides medical care, prevention medication, testing, and support services to patients with HIV.
AIDS Alabama provides essential life-sustaining services to those we serve across Alabama such as free, confidential and anonymous rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing with no appointment necessary.
Resource List
Alabama Dementia Education and Training Program (DETA)
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)
www.alzheimers.gov - For the people helping people with Alzheimer's
National Alzheimer’s Association
To learn more about Music & MemorySM and its founder Dan Cohen visit http://www.musicandmemory.org.
To learn more about CARES, EHE, MHA, or how to prevent the spread of HIV or more information on Alzheimer's disease, call us at 256-353-1160 or e-mail us at [email protected].
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