Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry

• Project Title: Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry
• Program Representative Interviewed: Brigid Kennedy, Co-Executive Director
• Location: Youngstown, Mahoning Valley region- Northeast Ohio
• Program Overview: Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry is a faith-based organization that works to “empower and affirm adults and children touched by HIV/AIDS.” The ministry provides services for their clients at several different locations: the Ursuline Motherhouse and Educational Center in Canfield, and in Youngstown, a children's program, clinic, and housing program. Some of the services provided include support groups; pastoral visits to homes, hospitals, and prisons; patient advocacy and support; a food and household item pantry; financial assistance; housing case management; permanent supportive housing; and a clinic. Ursuline Sisters has been successful at increasing HIV testing rates in a tri-county rural region and conducts most HIV screenings in this area.

Models represented by this program:

• Behavioral Interventions to Reduce Sexual Risk
• HIV Treatment as Prevention
• Routine HIV Testing and Screening in Healthcare Settings
• HIV Testing and Screening in Non-Clinical Settings
• Case Management and Patient Navigation
• One-Stop Shop HIV/AIDS Programs