December is HIV and AIDs awareness month, a time to raise awareness, dispel myths, combat stigma, and promote education about the virus.
“HIV treatment has advanced tremendously. Today, most people living with HIV can control the virus with a single daily pill or long-acting injection. These therapies allow individuals to live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission to others,” says Dr. Eli Finkelsztein, Infectious Disease Specialist at Cayuga Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
Being proactive about STI testing is crucial because many infections are asymptomatic and can spread unknowingly. Regular testing prevents long-term health complications like infertility and chronic pain, protects sexual partners from infection, and provides peace of mind about your sexual health.
“HIV can affect anyone. The main form of transmission is sexual contact, but people living with HIV cannot transmit the virus sexually if their viral load (measurement of the amount of a specific virus present in an infected person’s body) is undetectable,” says Dr. Eli Finkelsztein.
Early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and access to drug therapies can help patients manage the disease and reduce risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases and infections. At Arnot Health, a Member of Centralus Health, the Ivy Clinic, a disease management center, coordinates access to medical, psychological, and social services for the client and family.
“We’re trying to break the stigma across the board. There’s a lot of misinformation and I’m here to bridge the gaps,” says Tina Zerbe, Peer Navigator at Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health.
The new Ivy Clinic, located on the second floor of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira, New York, is larger and brighter than the previous location at Arnot Ogden Medical Center.
“Moving to this space has given us a lot more options when taking care of patients. Previously, we only had two rooms and a tiny council room. We now have a longer space with windows and access to sunlight. As silly as it sounds, it’s beneficial to us and to our patients in feeling warm and invited,” says Lila Yovanovitch, HIV Prevention Navigator and Outreach Coordinator at Arnot Health, a member of Centralus Health.
Knowing your STI status can alleviate anxiety about your sexual health, allowing you to make informed decisions about your well-being. Staff at the Ivy clinic are working to make a variety of services easily accessible to people in need of specialized care.
“We’re trying to accommodate our patients better and are constantly working on new things that will benefit all of our patients.”
While many patients come in for STD-related concerns, not all are HIV-positive. A significant portion of patients are there for various other testing reasons. STD clinics, like the Ivy Clinic, offer routine HIV testing because co-infection with other STDs and HIV is common. People who recently had a sexual encounter they’re unsure about, are managing a disease or infection, or need sexual health counseling can turn to the Ivy Clinic for help.
“Whether you think you have an STI or you’re interested in PrEP, we want to help everyone and be a warm, welcoming environment. At the end of the day that is the goal.”
According to Tina, the Clinic offers STI testing, rapid HIV testing, Hepatitis C, HIV preventative medication, and protective devices.
Patients may feel that their HIV status is sensitive information and may be more likely to disclose medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits when they feel their privacy is respected. Open communication enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions and provide the best possible care.
“I focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel respected and supported. I remind patients and providers that HIV is a manageable chronic condition, not a moral issue,” says Dr. Finkelsztein.
Whether it’s because of nerves or finances, accessing preventative products, like condoms, can be difficult. Lila says the goal is to eliminate all barriers that could protect people from sexually transmitted infections and diseases. She says they have supplies of all kinds, for every person, available at the clinic. If someone can’t get to St. Joseph’s, they can have their supplies delivered discreetly by mail
“If that’s something patients want to enroll in, we can send supplies to any address. We’ll pack it up and send it to you if you need it,” says Lila.
Arnot Health’s Ivy Clinic is located at 555 St. Joseph’s Boulevard, Elmira and 521 W Seneca Street, Ithaca. Referrals are recommended but not required. To make an appointment call (607) 795 – 8161.
Cayuga Health’s Center for Infectious Disease is located at 1302 Trumansburg Road, Suite R, Ithaca. To make an appointment call (607) 241 – 1118.
