Who is Ryan White and why is this program named for him?
The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act is Federal legislation that addresses the unmet health needs of persons living with HIV disease (PLWH) by funding primary health care and support services. The CARE Act was named after Ryan White, an Indiana teenager whose courageous struggle with HIV/AIDS and against AIDS-related discrimination helped educate the nation. Ryan died in 1990 at the age of 18.
Using Ryan White's name for CAMC's program recognizes the generous federal funding that makes it possible to provide services to individuals in 19 southern West Virginia counties.
Do I need a physician's referral?
No, although many of our patients did learn about our program from their primary care physician or a health clinic in their local community. The only information necessary to complete enrollment forms are proof of your current income and your HIV status. Call Denise Heflin-Peyton, our care coordinator, toll-free at 1-877-565-4423 for more information about enrollment.
Does the CAMC Ryan White Program treat children?
The CAMC Ryan White Program refers children in our service area who are infected with HIV/AIDS to Dr. Raheel R. Khan, MD. Dr. Khan is an Infectious Disease Pediatrician and his office is in the medical staff building at CAMC Women and Children's Hospital. Dr. Khan's office phone number is (304) 388-1552.
Denise Heflin Peyton, the CAMC Ryan White Program's care coordinator, can answer questions about primary care for children who are HIV-positive and explain eligibility for Ryan White Program services. Call her toll-free at 1-877-565-4423.
What should I do if I miss a dose of my medicine?
NEVER miss a dose! If you miss, the blood levels of your medicine could fall below the level that is necessary for effectiveness. Resistance to the drugs can develop rapidly, causing your viral load to go up and/or your CD4 (T-cell) count to drop. Often this can lead to a change in your medication regimen, which may be more difficult to take and/or have side effects. With each new medication change, it becomes harder to control the HIV virus.
However, if you do miss a dose of any medicine, take it as soon as possible and then take your next scheduled dose at its regular time. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose at its regular time. Do not double the next dose.
What should I do if I get sick on the weekend, or in the evening?
If you cannot wait until the next business day to speak with the care coordinator or the clinic, call the CAMC Operator at (304) 388-5432, and ask the operator to page the resident who is on-call for medicine services. Your call will be put on hold, and you may be asked to leave a phone number where the resident can call you back in a few minutes.
If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
How do I reschedule an appointment?
To maintain your health, it is important that you make every effort to keep your scheduled appointments.
If you know in advance that you need to reschedule, please call as soon as possible. This may allow us to schedule another patient who needs to be seen. If you miss an appointment, call right away to schedule a new day and time.
To reschedule, call (304) 388-9677 or call toll-free: 1-800-348-9677.
What is the Ryan White Part B Program and how can I reach one of its case managers?
The statewide Ryan White Part B Program provides case management for all eligible HIV-infected West Virginia residents. Its case managers, located across the state, provide case management, referrals, education, advocacy, and act as access points in applying for emergency financial assistance.
In our service area, there are two case managers for the HIV Care Consortium:
Brian Henry is based in Kanawha County. He provides services to people living in Kanawha, Putnam, Lincoln, Logan, Boone, Clay, Webster, Braxton, Roane and Jackson counties. You may reach Brian at: (304) 344-9901.
Sharon Smith is based in Raleigh County. She provides services to people living in Nicholas, Pocahontas, Fayette, Raleigh, Wyoming, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Greenbrier, and Summers counties. You may reach Sharon at: (304) 763-5257.
What should I do if I get sick between appointments?
During regular business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), you can call Denise Heflin-Peyton RN, the CAMC Ryan White Program's care coordinator, at (304) 388-9337 or toll-free at 1-877-565-4423. She will tell you if you need to see the doctor, and make an appointment if you do.
After hours, you can call CAMC's 24-hour operator at (304) 388-5432. Ask the operator to page the resident who is on-call for medicine service. You will be put on hold while the resident is paged. If it is more than a few minutes, you will be asked to leave a number where you can be reached. The resident will call you back, discuss your situation, and let you know if you need to come to the emergency room or schedule an appointment.
If it is an emergency requiring immediate attention, dial 9-1-1.