HIV Program
The Detroit Health Department has two programs to help people living with HIV in Southeastern Michigan. The Ryan White Program helps with medical and support services, and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program helps with housing.
Medical and Support Services
The Ryan White Program and the Ending the HIV Epidemic Programs offer medical, supportive, and innovative projects to help people living with HIV.
If you are HIV-positive, live in Metro Detroit, and currently not in care, contact the Link-Up Detroit Program to receive non-medical services and/or assistance enrolling in medical care.
The DHD contracts with a network of hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit organizations with expertise in treating and caring for persons living with HIV.
Some of the services include:
- HIV Medical Care
- HIV Medications
- Linkage to Care/Early Intervention Services
- Medical Case Management
- Assistance with Applying for Health Insurance
- Medical Transportation
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Mental Health Counseling
- Specialized Services for Previously Incarcerated Persons
- Specialized Services for Women, Children and Youth
There are eligibility requirements for some programs, but our providers will work with you to get the help you need.
Services from our program are available in the following counties:
- Wayne
- Oakland
- Macomb
- St. Clair
- Lapeer
- Monroe
Contact one of the following agencies to enroll:
- Community Health Awareness Group (CHAG) (313) 963-3434
- Health Emergency Lifeline Programs (HELP) (313) 832-3300 or (888) 435-6555
- Matrix Human Services (877) 931-3248
- Unified HIV Health and Beyond (313) 446-9800 or (800) 872-2437
- Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency (248) 209-2600
Early Intervention Services:
The Early Intervention Services Programs place special emphasis on helping persons who are newly diagnosed with HIV to connect with medical care and other services. Receiving proper medications for HIV can prevent you from becoming ill, and it can help reduce new transmission of the disease.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, or you have been HIV positive for a long time and stopped seeing a doctor, our Linkage to Care Program can assist you.
Our linkage workers are dedicated experts who can help you:
- Find a doctor or clinic that is convenient for you
- Apply for health insurance
- Understand HIV medical treatment
- Find support groups
- Meet your transportation, food assistance, and emergency financial assistance needs
Contact an Early Intervention Service worker at any one of the following agencies:
- Community Health Awareness Group (CHAG) (313) 963-3434
- Health Emergency Lifeline Program (HELP) (313) 832-3300 or (888) 435-6555
- Matrix Human Services (877) 931-3248
- Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (248) 209-2626 or (248) 876-2949
- Unified HIV Health and Beyond (313) 446-9800 or (800) 872-2437
Housing
The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program provides housing assistance and related support services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. This program helps to address discrimination, stigma, and other barriers to achieving stable living situations.
You may be eligible for HOPWA if your:
- Household has at least one person who has HIV and/or AIDS
- Total household income is less than 80% of the Area Median Income as defined by HUD
The HOPWA Detroit program helps with your housing needs through its Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program – This is an income-based program in which HOPWA pays a portion of your rent and you pay the remainder
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE IN THE WAYNE COUNTY HOPWA PROGRAM, PLEASE COMPLETE THE HIV/STI NEEDS INTAKE FORM HERE: HIV/STI NEEDS INTAKE FORM
Housing Resources
DHD Housing Resources for Immediate, Renters, and Homeowners: PDF Version (printable)
- CHAG Housing Resources Hub: https://www.chagdetroit.org/housing-resources
Link to CAM resource list: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFNVRt003k/OJ_AzlBFFuwgzhtAyRZG4g/view?utm_content=DAFNVRt003k&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink#12
Link to Wayne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program: https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/econdev/emergency-rental-assistance.aspx
Counseling and Testing
For information about HIV Counseling and Testing Services, please call the Michigan HIV Hotline at (800) 872-2437 or visit https://gettested.cdc.gov for an easy to use, searchable database to find an HIV testing program near you.
The Detroit Public Health STD Clinic offers free, confidential HIV counseling and testing. Please call (313) 577-9100 or visit http://www.detroitstd.org for more information or walk-in at 50 East Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201.
Community Planning
If you are interested in becoming involved with local planning efforts, which set service priorities each year, visit SEMHAC.org for more information.
The Detroit Health Department HIV Program staff is always happy to assist you. Please contact us at (313) 876-6500