The diagnosis of HIV is often the start of many changes in your life. The Social Work Department is here to help you sort through these changes and the related challenges. The Social Workers provide services to all patients of the 1917 Clinic, as well as any patient hospitalized at UAB Hospital. Every patient is assigned a Social Worker and given a complete psychosocial evaluation. This evaluation assesses your support systems, coping skills, and the resources available to you.

• The Social Work Department operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 a. m. until 5:00 p.m. Your Social Worker can be reached through the Automated Call director at 934-1917, or on his/her direct telephone line. Your Social Worker is your link to various community agencies and resources that provide assistance in obtaining basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and health care.
 
• Some patients do not have health insurance and cannot afford prescribed medications. If this is your situation, the Social Worker can assist you in applying for compassionate-use programs to get prescriptions at an affordable cost. Enrollment and continuation in these programs requires that the patient provide frequent income, employment, and insurance information to the social worker. Failure to do this will result in delays in drug program applications or suspension of enrollment in programs in which the patient has previously been enrolled. If you are receiving your medications through a compassionate-use program, it is very important to let your Social Worker know seven days in advance when your prescriptions are running low and need refilling. This allows timely arrangements for continuing financial assistance.
 
• Along with your physician and Clinic nurse, the Social Worker will coordinate home health needs that may be required (sitters, home health aides, nurses, physical therapy, hospice, etc.).
 
• If the need arises, you can receive assistance with your application for Social Security Disability benefits. Your Social Worker is also available to answer questions about insurance coverage and procedures.
 
• Short-term counseling and long-term psychotherapy are available to you, your spouse or significant other, and family members through your Social Worker. They will coordinate services through 1917 Clinic Psychology Services, Chaplains, and therapists who are not part of UAB.
 

The 1917 Clinic Social Work Department consists of two Social Workers and one support staff. All of the Social Workers have a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited school and are licensed through the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners. The Department adheres to the National Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics.