WestCare California Expands HIV/AIDS Services in Fresno and Kern Counties
May 4, 2004

WestCare is expanding HIV/AIDS services to residents of Fresno and Kern counties through recent funding awards from Fresno and Kern counties, and Kaiser Permanente “Growing Healthy Communities” HIV grant, Shawn Jenkins, vice president recently announced.

“We are excited to expand services to those living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS,” says Jenkins. “WestCare is committed to serving the needs of the community, and these awards allow us to do what we do best.”

WestCare received Ryan White Title II funding through the Fresno County Department of Community Health. This funding enables WestCare to expand case management services at The Living Room’s Health and Wellness Drop-in Center, increase the availability of ongoing support groups for individuals infected by HIV/AIDS and their family and friends, and insure the continuation of The Living Room’s Pantry and Hot Meals program.

With the Kaiser Permanente award, WestCare purchased large kitchen items for The Living Room’s Health and Wellness Drop-in Center, including refrigerators, freezers, an ice machine, worktables, a garbage disposal and a steel range hood. Jenkins says this equipment allows WestCare to continue hot food service to HIV positive clients residing in Fresno County.

Jenkins also announced WestCare’s Bakersfield Outpatient program has become the first provider of Ryan White funded-services in Kern County with the recent award of Ryan White CARE Act Title II funding. “The award allows WestCare to provide non-residential substance abuse services to HIV positive individuals, including educational and group-counseling services designed around each participant’s individualized treatment needs,” he said.