These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Start with privacy and respect
Talk in a private spot. Never share their HIV status with anyone without their OK.
You can say"Thank you for telling me. HIV is very treatable today. People on medicine live long, healthy lives."
You can ask"Do you have an HIV doctor now? Do you have your medicine today?"
High fever, trouble breathing, a bad headache with a stiff neck, or very sick: call 911.
2Get HIV care and a case manager
NM Department of Health - Southwest Community Collaborative Care Program
HIV medical and support case management (Ryan White Part B)
575-528-6037
1170 N Solano Dr, Las Cruces · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed noon-1pm)
Alianza of New Mexico
HIV case management, PrEP navigation and harm reduction
575-623-1995
2801 E Missouri Ave, Suite 4, Las Cruces · Call
Southwest CARE Center
HIV and hepatitis C care, PrEP, free testing
505-955-9454
4710 Jefferson St NE, Suite A, Albuquerque · Weekdays
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Primary medical care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
Bring
- ID if they have one, any insurance card, pill bottles, and any lab papers
3Pay for HIV medicine
NM Department of Health - HIV Services Program
HIV medication (ADAP) and insurance premium/copay help
505-500-9741
Santa Fe
At the Gospel MissionAsk staff about prescription help from the stuff drawer.
4Housing and rent help
Housing New Mexico - HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS)
Rent, mortgage, utility and deposit help for low-income people living with HIV
575-623-1995
New Mexico AIDS Services (NMAS)
Housing for people living with HIV
505-938-7100
3900 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque
At the Gospel MissionFree mail at the Mission, so letters about care and housing reach them.
At the Gospel MissionWomen and children can ask Mission staff about space at Sierra House.
5Getting to appointments and staying well
Presbyterian Health Plan
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (Presbyterian members)
855-774-7737
· Statewide phone/online; 24/7
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (BCBS members)
866-913-4342
· Statewide phone/online; booking Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Ride Assist 24/7 at 866-418-9829
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (UHC members)
877-236-0826
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
NM Department of Health - Grant County Public Health Office
Harm reduction, syringe services and medications for opioid use disorder
575-538-5318
2610 N Silver St, Suite 7, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed noon-1pm)
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors are here to listen. Prayer is there if wanted, never required.
More help like this
Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake upUse when someone falls down and won't respond, isn't breathing normally, is only gasping, or is found unconscious on the ground, in a doorway or in a car.Someone is bleeding badlyUse when someone has a deep cut, stab or gunshot wound, or blood is spurting, pooling or soaking through clothes or bandages.Sick, out of medicine, or has no doctor or insuranceUse when someone is sick or hurt, has run out of medicine, or has no doctor or health insurance.Someone is chokingUse when someone can't breathe, talk or cough because food or something is stuck in their throat, or is holding their throat. Includes babies and children.Leaving the hospital with nowhere to goUse when someone is being discharged from the hospital or a treatment program and has no home or no one to care for them.Someone may be having a stroke or heart attackUse when someone suddenly has a drooping face, a weak arm, trouble speaking, or chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or cold sweat.
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This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.