A proud legacy of care for women and newborns
This year marks the 50th anniversary of a special program that cares for women and their newborns. Since 1974, Northeast Florida moms-to-be with high-risk…
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We believe no individual should be limited in their potential by HIV. Since 1988, the University of Florida Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Service (UF CARES) has been a leader in providing innovative care and quality services in the Jacksonville community. UF CARES is the only comprehensive pediatric and adult family-focused HIV and AIDS program in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Our team is dedicated to providing the latest in clinical, educational, research and support services to improve your quality of life and decrease HIV transmissions through education, preventive health and specialized services.
What is HIV? The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) harms your immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell that helps your body fight infection. This puts you at risk for serious infections.
What is AIDS? Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that happens as a result of the virus. AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection that occurs when the virus has badly damaged your immune system.
With advances in treatments, HIV can be controlled and the effects it has on your immune system can be slowed. As with many infections, early detection provides better treatment options. Our experts can help you manage your illness with a combination of medications referred to as antiretroviral therapy or ART. These medications can help strengthen your immune system and also lower the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication is available to eligible individuals at risk of HIV exposure and infection. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the chance of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. Although PrEP is effective in preventing HIV, condoms are still needed to protect against other sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your health care provider to see if PrEP is right for you and to get a prescription.
UF CARES also offers the UF CARES PrEP line, a dedicated phone line to help individuals improve their access to PrEP. This service is an important resource for stopping the spread of HIV in the community. Call (904) 244-PrEP (7377) for more information.
UF CARES offers the only comprehensive pediatric and family-centered medical home model in Northeast Florida for HIV-infected individuals. Our focus is on your needs.
UF CARES accepts most commercial insurance plans and many PPO plans.
UF CARES provides monthly support groups for adult and adolescent HIV-infected patients facilitated by our psychologist and education coordinator.
The Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act (TOPWA) is a program designed to reach high-risk pregnant women or HIV-infected pregnant women who are not receiving services to prevent transmission of the HIV virus to infants. The program provides services to high-risk pregnant women through linkage and referrals. The goal of the TOPWA program is to prevent women infected with HIV from infecting their babies. All women of childbearing age are eligible for the program, even those without documented citizenship.
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of a special program that cares for women and their newborns. Since 1974, Northeast Florida moms-to-be with high-risk…
UF Health Jacksonville and UF Health North celebrate Midwifery week October 1-7. This national observance was created by the American College of Nurse-Midwives…