April 30, 2020 | Portland OR - As we are inundated by the daily impacts of COVID-19 on our friends, families, communities, and globally, we wanted to take a moment to share two stories from our CareLink Team that reminded us of all the good that can be done, even in these trying times. CAP is working tirelessly to expand equitable access to health care, and that work is critically important, perhaps now more than ever.

1. Our CareLink Navigators received a referral from a community partner for someone presented with a new HIV diagnosis. One of our Navigators worked late into the evening on a Friday to process this new client’s intake and get them ready to go with a caseworker.  This new client moved to Portland from out of state two weeks prior as their boyfriend had invited them to move in.  But, shortly after arriving here, the new client got tested and received their positive diagnosis.  When they shared their status with their partner, the partner threatened violence and kicked them out.  CAP worked to secure the client emergency housing and other critical resources. Our CareLink Navigator also worked with the client’s family on getting their cell phone reconnected and ultimately helped get this new client back home to living with their family (instead of homeless and alone in a new city amidst a pandemic). 

   Beyond that, our CareLink Navigator also helped insure the client got set up with a doctor to address their STI concerns!  They filled in the client’s doctor and let them know that the client was leaving Portland to return home but wanted to begin a medication regimen as soon as possible. Because of the work of the CAP team, we were able to get the client an appointment while avoiding a long intake at the clinic, work with their insurance (including having their HIV medication ordered at a pharmacy back at their home so that they wouldn’t have to change insurance), and we were able to get the client home safely! The client immediately picked up their medications from the local pharmacy upon arriving home safely, and we have continued to stay in touch for any follow-up needs they may have! 

2. Our Carelink Navigators received another referral from our CAP intake team.  The new client of CAP and their partner moved to Portland this month from out of state as well.  The client has been off of medications for several months, but wasn’t feeling well so was interested in getting back in to care.  They did a CAP intake appointment, met with our Insurance Navigators to get them set up with OHP, and got referred to CareLink! 

   We discussed care options and were able to get them to a provider that was able to see them. Fortunately, the provider also had an opening for the new patient intake in less than 48 hours!  Typically, these kinds of appointments are usually 2-3 weeks out under normal circumstances, let alone during a medical crisis.  Because of the work of our CareLink team, the client has a care provider and is back on a medication regimen! 

   During this process, our CareLink Navigator discovered that the clients partner used to be on PrEP regimen, but no longer was. Our CareLink Navigator saw a golden opportunity to connect their partner with a referral to our PrEP team and one of our PrEP Navigators followed up with the partner!  

We are able to make stories like these happen everyday because of support from our community members and community partners. By making gifts, supporting or organization, and volunteering with CAP, we are able to change the lives of so many, and we are able to get them on their way to a healthier tomorrow. If CAP or Prism Health have impacted you in an important way, please consider sharing your story with us or making a gift to help support our response to the COVID-19 epidemic. We are here for you all!

Together Towards Change. Together Towards Tomorrow.

To learn more about CareLink and the work they do at CAP, please visit our Support Services Page.

About Cascade AIDS Project

Cascade AIDS Project is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Each year, CAP provides housing and support services to thousands of people living with HIV as well robust prevention and education services, including free, confidential HIV and STI testing. CAP also provides compassionate and affirming primary health for the LGBTQ+ Community and beyond through Prism Health.  More information can be found at www.capnw.org