HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Services
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program offers free, high-quality medical care and support services for San Diego County residents living with HIV who meet income and eligibility requirements. This program connects individuals to HIV specialists and resources to address unmet needs and ensure access to the care they deserve.
Video about the Ryan White program.
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Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
San Diego County residents who live below 500% of the federal poverty level, have a confirmed HIV diagnosis and do not qualify for another paying source are eligible for Ryan White program services. People who qualify receive free, quality medical care and supportive services from HIV specialists throughout San Diego County.
The Ryan White Program is the largest federal government program specifically designed for people living with HIV/AIDS. By funding primary health care and support services that enhance healthcare access and retention, the Ryan White Program addresses unmet care and treatment needs.
San Diego County's Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is funded by Ryan White Part A (grant for urban areas such as cities and counties) and Ryan White Part B (grant for states and territories).
See our infographic for Ryan White by the Numbers 2023-2024.
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Who was Ryan White?
Ryan White was 13 when he was diagnosed with AIDS after a blood transfusion in December 1984. Living in Kokomo, Indiana, doctors gave him six months to live.
When Ryan tried to return to school, he faced AIDS-related discrimination in his Indiana community. Along with his mother Jeanne White Ginder, he rallied for his right to attend school. He gained national attention and became the face of public education about the disease.
Surprising his doctors, Ryan lived five years longer than expected. He died in April 1990, one month before his high school graduation. Congress passed the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act in August 1990, now known as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act that provides services for people living with HIV/AIDS today.
To enroll in Ryan White services, you must meet all 3 eligibility requirements:
1) Live in San Diego County 2) Earn an annual income less than $75,300 (less than $6,275 a month)
3) Be living with HIV |
*If you don’t have the right documentation, don’t worry. Our providers can help you establish eligibility. You can begin most services immediately, even if you don’t have all the documentation you need at first.
The Ryan White Program provides a wide range of services to support your health and well-being. Services include Essential Core Medical Services, Support Services, and Coordinated Services for priority populations. For more detailed descriptions of each service category, see our HIV Service Standards for Ryan White Care and Treatment Services .
If you are living with HIV, comprehensive medical care services are available to improve your overall health.
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Medical Case Management
Medical Case Management helps connect you to care and treatment services to improve your overall health. Your case manager can link you to the appropriate services and make sure you stay in care.
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HIV Primary Care Services
HIV Primary Care Services provides you with medical care and treatment for HIV from licensed healthcare professionals.
For providers: See the Ryan White Provider Handbook
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Medical Specialty Care
If your HIV Primary Care providers cannot give you the specialized care you need, they will refer you to a specialist so you can receive the right treatment.
For providers: see the Specialty Services Program Provider Manual
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Oral Health Care
Oral Health Care services provide basic and specialty dental needs, including:
- cleanings
- exams
- x-rays
- fillings
- extractions
- crowns
*See the full list of covered services on the Ryan White Service Standards.
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Substance Use Outpatient Care
Substance Use Outpatient Care Services can help you reduce or stop drug or alcohol use, aiming to improve your overall health and wellness. Services are provided in outpatient settings in individual and group formats.
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Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy provides nutritional support, including supplements, from a licensed dietitian outside of regular doctor visits.
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Home-Based Health Care Coordination
Based on your needs, your case manager can develop a personalized care plan for you to receive medical treatment at home from healthcare professionals.
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Psychiatric Medication Management
If you need psychiatric services, a licensed psychiatrist can assess your needs and come up with a treatment plan for you, including psychiatric medication or monitoring services.
Additional resources are available to support your overall well-being by connecting you to services you may need beyond medical care.
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Housing
Housing services offer short-term help with emergency, temporary, or transitional housing so you and your family can continue getting health care. These services also include help with finding, applying for, and securing housing, as well as any related fees.
PARS: The Partial Assistance Rental Subsidy (PARS) will pay up to 40% of your rent for up to 48 months. In order to enroll in PARS, you will need to work with a case manager to develop a plan to find housing that is more affordable than your current living situation. In order to remain in PARS, you will need to follow through on your plan.
Emergency Housing Assistance offers temporary assistance with housing needs, including:
- Short-term hotel/single room occupancy stays
- Payment of rent for individuals facing eviction
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Medical Transportation Services
Transportation can be provided to help you get to your healthcare appointments and stay connected to care.
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Case Management (Non-Medical)
Non-medical case management helps you access services like social support, legal aid, and financial assistance. Non-medical case management focuses on getting you the support services you need, while medical case management focuses on improving your overall health.
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Peer Navigation
Peer Navigation services are available to provide you more personable support from another individual living with HIV. A peer navigator with lived experience connects you to the medical and support services you need.
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Mental Health Services: Counseling/Therapy
These services provide you with mental health support, including psychological assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling.
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Emergency Financial Assistance
Emergency financial assistance can provide you with one-time or short-term help paying for urgent needs including:
- Essential utilities
- Rent
- Food (including groceries and food vouchers)
- Transportation
- Medication
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Home-Delivered Meals
If you are not able to shop or prepare food for yourself, meals can be delivered to you. Home delivery provides 21 meals per week and can be accessed through case management.
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Legal Services
Legal Services offer legal representation and advice about issues that may affect your access to HIV/AIDS services, such as public benefits, discrimination, or insurance coverage.
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Substance Use Inpatient Care
Substance Use Inpatient Care Services can help you reduce or stop using drug or alcohol in an inpatient setting, aiming to improve your overall health and wellness.
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Outreach
Outreach services connect people living with HIV, newly diagnosed, or vulnerable to HIV to services available. Outreach staff can share information, provide education and referrals, and connect you to care and services.
Countywide Integrated Services for Women, Children, and Families
These services ensure that women, infants, children, and youth living with HIV have access to medical care and social services that support their overall health and well-being. Services available include:
- Case Management (non-medical)
- Mental Health Counseling including Psychiatric Services
- Referral for Health and Support Services
- Child Care
- Transportation
Minority AIDS Initiative Services in South Bay and Southeast San Diego
The Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) provides additional funding for providers to improve healthcare access and overall health outcomes for racial and ethnic groups disproportionately affected by HIV. MAI services include:
- Case Management (non-medical)
- Mental Health Counseling including Psychiatric Services
- Substance Abuse (outpatient)
- Referral for Health and Support Services
- Transportation
Have any feedback on Ryan White services? Please use the confidential Client Services Evaluation form (“Goldenrod”) to provide your thoughts and concerns.
- For information related to the San Diego HIV Planning Group and its committees, including meeting materials and reports, visit the San Diego HIV Planning Group web page.
- Visit our San Diego Getting to Zero initiative web page to find resources by location, language, services offered, and transit route.
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