Imagine a world without HIV, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections. These health challenges can be difficult to speak about. However, this does not lessen their significance in the community.
For many years, numerous transmitted diseases were an automatic death sentence. Fortunately, with breakthrough medical advancements, people who have been diagnosed with HIV or other STDs can thrive. Individuals can take a single pill every day, to combat HIV. Impressively, the pill is more than 99% effective if taken as prescribed.
Not everyone has access to such treatments, though. Some may not be able to afford it, others may not feel comfortable getting a test done. There is a stigma attached to STDs and CAN Community Health believes that these diseases must be talked about in a candid and non-judgmental way, for more progress to occur. Getting to zero, or no new diagnoses or deaths, is its long-term goal.
At the heart of CAN’s mission is advocacy, clinical practice, research and innovation, education and outreach. Not only does the Tampa-based organization advocate for those affected by HIV and STDs, and educate them on treatment options, but it also provides comprehensive medical care. Patients can get a test kit, receive a diagnosis and start medication all in one central location. CAN Community Health, which has multiple locations around the country, also has built in-house pharmacies for convenience.
CAN has designed its services to be accessible. Rapid HIV and HEP C tests are free of charge. Most importantly, CAN does not “turn anybody down on the inability to pay,” according to Justice Gennari, national director of marketing and communications at CAN Community Health. Financial assistance is available to individuals to help pay for medical care and treatment.
Treating HIV and transmitted diseases is just a part of what CAN Community Health does. Education is equally important. When individuals are educated about HIV and other diseases in a thoughtful and compassionate way, they can be better equipped to fight these health challenges head-on. Perhaps, even more importantly, educated individuals can be more proactive in preventative care. Open conversation is emphasized in CAN’s educational programs. Patients are encouraged to ask questions without the fear of being judged.
CAN Community Health not only offers meaningful education, but also believes in the power of telling real-life stories. Through its speaker program, CAN invites individuals who have HIV, Hepatitis C, or STI or STD to talk about their experiences and how treatment has allowed them to live happy and healthy lives despite their diagnoses. These stories are meant to inspire and show that life can be prosperous even while living with a transmitted disease.
Additional services CAN offers include counseling, therapy and case management. The organization even helps individuals with housing and transportation, among other daily needs.
CAN is a nationally recognized organization, which means it has access to different grants and opportunities to serve its patients. However, it remains a local organization that focuses on providing care to the underserved and anyone who seeks help, in each community in which it has a location in. Due to the generosity of donors and grant programs, CAN Community Health can serve every individual who requests its services. CAN’s national influence has also allowed it to advocate for policies that support those living with HIV and other STDs.
CAN, which recently moved its headquarters from Sarasota to Tampa, is invested in the Tampa community. “We want the community to know that our services are here for everyone,” Gennari says.
Breaking down barriers, eliminating stigma and serving individuals are what inspire every team member at CAN Community Health to do the work they do every day. Fortunately, through their efforts, more people are getting tested and treated. While getting to zero will not happen overnight, every life that CAN helps is one step closer to a world without transmitted diseases. ♦