Living with HIV

Partner Notification Program for the Newly Diagnosed

When an individual is newly diagnosed with HIV, there are a variety of services available that are intended to ease any uncertainty or anxiety that they may feel. Partner Notification is one of these services and is provided by highly-skilled disease intervention specialists from the Bureau of HIV, STI, and Hepatitis at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These individuals can assist you with telling your previous partners that they may have been exposed to HIV. If you aren’t comfortable telling your previous partners yourself, they can also notify them anonymously on your behalf. Staff never share your information with people. They only notify them of a possible exposure and offer voluntary HIV testing services to the individuals you name.

HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system—specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. These special cells help the immune system fight off infections. 

Untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body. This damage to the immune system makes it harder and harder for the body to fight off infections and some other diseases. Opportunistic infections or cancers can occur when the immune system is so weak that it can no longer function properly. Learn more about the stages of HIV

Treatment is available to help you manage HIV. HIV medications work in different ways to reduce the amount of HIV in your body, improving your health and reducing the chance of transmission to others. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is a combination of medications (called a regimen) used to treat HIV. These medications are effective and many people living with HIV work with their doctors to find a regimen that is easy to take. Some medications may have side effects. Working with your case manager and doctor is an important step to finding the right medications for you. For more information about HIV treatment please check out the AIDS Info HIV Treatment fact sheet.

How Can I Get HIV Medication Assistance?

Assistance may be available to help with the cost of medications through the Iowa Benefits and Drug Assistance Program (BDAP)(formerly known as the AIDS Drug Assistance Program or ADAP). Contact your nearest Ryan White Part B case manager for more information about the programs available and eligibility guidelines.

How Do I Talk About My HIV Status?

If you are living with HIV, telling others about your status is a very personal decision. The word “disclose” is frequently used to describe the act of sharing your HIV status with someone. It can be hard to decide who you are going to disclose your status to and when the right time is to share it. Often times there are many pros and cons to disclosing your HIV status to others. 

Confidential Partner Notification Program

You are not required to share your status with everyone. There may be some people you’re considering disclosing to—including your medical provider, sexual partners, and/or people you share substance use equipment with. Disclosing your status with your medical provider will help you get access to the medical care you need. Disclosing your status to sexual or needle-sharing partners can be difficult but could help prevent these people in your life from acquiring HIV. The confidential Partner Notification Program through the Iowa Division of Public Health is made up of trained professionals who can help you notify your partner(s). This is done confidentially, without sharing the information about you or when the exposure may have occurred.  

Your Ryan White case manager can also be a great resource when you are thinking about telling others about your status. Case managers have a lot of experience helping people develop individualized plans focused on disclosure.

The Ryan White Program in Iowa is a comprehensive system of services available across the state that serve eligible Iowans living with HIV. Services include primary medical care and essential support services through the Ryan White Part B and Part C Programs.

The Ryan White Part B Program provides case management, support services, and medication assistance.The Ryan White Part B Program is designed to improve access and quality of services for Iowans living with HIV. A case manager will provide support and navigation to assist with a variety of needs including access to medical care, medications, insurance coverage, mental health services, transportation, stable housing and much more. The Ryan White Part B Program is administered by the Bureau of HIV, STI, and Hepatitis at Iowa HHS.

The Ryan White Program provides a variety of services to help Iowans living with HIV have long, healthy lives. Services include access to medical care, medication, mental health care, oral health care, transportation, and much more! Use our service locator to find services near you.