Lowcountry AIDS Services

As the tri-county area's only comprehensive AIDS/HIV service provider, we see the many ways the illness affects people's lives. People come to us for many reasons. They worry that they might be infected. They need concrete information on how to stay healthy. They are worried about a loved one with AIDS. We welcome all inquiries, from all members of the community. After all, the more we all know, the more powerful we will be in our fight against HIV/AIDS and its causes.

Case Management

Case Management is a client-centered service that links clients with medical care, psychosocial and other needed services, such as housing, nutrition, dental care, legal services, support groups and transportation. Initial Intakes and Reassessments are used to assess the client's needs, level of care, create Service Plans and review ongoing progress. Clients are educated about HIV/AIDS, informed about resources, listened to and supported through an on-going relationship with their particular Case Manager as well as the agency as a whole.

Clients are encouraged to share their feeling, fears and concerns as well as their hopes, dreams and plans. Each and every client is treated with respect and dignity regardless of their history. Clients are continually taught ways to live a more self sufficient and productive in spite of their HIV status. Responsibility and accountability are encouraged through Service Plans and the steps used to reach goals specific to each client and their individual needs.

The most important part of the Case Manger/Client collaboration is mutual respect, trust and willingness to meet the challenges presented together. LAS Case Managers are compassionate, caring and hardworking - they are always willing to go the extra mile for their clients and it shows in the number of success stories that are part of this agency's history.

Volunteer Program

Lowcountry AIDS Services volunteers have one common goal: to provide a higher quality of life for people living with HIV. They offer respect, compassion, and empowerment through practical and emotional assistance for clients and their families. Volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments and support groups. They deliver groceries and supplements. They volunteer for special events and more.

Client Support Groups

Living with HIV and AIDS can often feel lonely. Lowcountry AIDS Services offer our clients support groups. They are entirely confidential and are facilitated by LAS Case Managers. All attending clients must contact their manager prior to admission to the group.

Support groups meets Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:00pm.

They run for eight weeks with no meeting on the ninth week.

Groups begin again on the following week for eight weeks.

All groups meet at Lowcountry AIDS Services.

Professional Education

Through workshops and seminars, Lowcountry AIDS Services provides education to over a 1,000 human service and health care providers each year.

Speakers Bureau

Lowcountry AIDS Services maintains a Speakers Bureau comprised of People with AIDS (PWAs), volunteers, staff members, health educators, and family members of PWAs. The speakers bureau addresses community, civic, and church organizations about HIV Disease and related issues.

Technical Assistance

Lowcountry AIDS Services provides ongoing training, resources, technical assistance, and program development expertise to autonomous AIDS related service groups in the Lowcountry in order to enhance the quality of services and information available to all citizens.

Legal Services

Lowcountry AIDS Services offers clients basic legal services. Clients can meet with a local attorney, at no charge, to discuss a wide range of legal subjects including wills, powers of attorney, landlord/tenant issues, health insurance, and domestic legal issues.

Advocacy

Lowcountry AIDS Services is committed to clarifying issues concerning all HIV infected persons and actively assists in the protection of their rights and benefits. This includes making legislative contacts and acting as liaisons with other community organizations.

Housing Assistance

Lowcountry AIDS Services may provide limited mortgage, rental, and utility assistance to eligible clients.

Financial Assistance

Lowcountry AIDS Services may provide limited funds for rent and utilities for eligible people with AIDS (financial assessment required).

The Nutrition Center

This program provides nutrition information and may provide limited food and nutritional supplements for qualified clients.

Free Testing

LAS offers free, confidential testing at our North Charleston offices and throughout the Lowcountry. Call for details on where, and how, you can get a free test. Results can be delivered in 20 minutes.