HIV CARE & SERvices

HIV Specialty Care

All STAR providers are experienced in the provision of primary care and meet the AIDS Institute criteria as “HIV Specialty Providers.” They will provide your HIV care and also take care of other medical problems. They are specially trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage severe long-term illnesses, and help patients with multiple, complex chronic conditions.

HIV Testing

We provide HIV testing on-site in the STAR Health Centers via rapid testing (preliminary results in 20 minutes). Routine testing is completed with a blood test; results are generally available within one day.

PrEP/PEP

We provide both PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), which can help prevent people who are not living with HIV from acquiring the virus. PrEP is available in both pill and injection forms, and is taken regularly for people who may have an ongoing risk of exposure. PEP is available in pill form only, and is taken for 28 days after a possible exposure to HIV. PEP works most effectively when taken as quickly as possible (and within 72 hours) after a possible exposure to HIV. If you are not on PrEP and may have been exposed to HIV, call us so we can get you started on PEP as soon as possible.  Read More

Women’s Health Care

Through its targeted research in women and HIV, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has been a national leader in the care of HIV in women since the early 1990’s. Routine gynecologic care, such as breast exams and pap smears, are integrated into care at the STAR Health Centers.

Be InTo Health

If you are 50 years old or older and a patient at STAR-Downstate health center, you may benefit from services provided by the BE InTo Health program focused on Black and Latinx older people with HIV (OPWH). This program offers screening for geriatric-specific needs, wellness groups, and promotes increased physical activity and social engagement. Our patient navigator will coordinate your medical care and make sure you get linked to subspecialty and mental health care. Read More

Anoscopy

As part of your routine health care, your provider may recommend screening for anal cancer. If so, your provider will complete an anal pap smear in clinic, looking for anal cells that are abnormal and may indicate the need for further screening. Further screening is completed with a test called anoscopy, in which a specialist evaluates the anus and rectum. The goal of this testing is to find and treat and cells that could become a cancer over time, and to treat them before they do so. This anoscopy testing can be performed by one of our colleagues at STAR-Brookdale, a colorectal surgeon who works closely with the STAR team to ensure availability of this screening.

Clinical Pharmacist Services 

Our clinical pharmacists are crucial team members who provide many important services. They meet regularly with patients to provide medication teaching, review possible drug-drug interactions, and review medications prescribed by outside providers or hospitals following hospitalization. They can also help determine the best antiretroviral medications for you, including long-acting injectable (LAI) ART if you are interested and eligible.

Nutritional Services

Our NYS registered dieticians will provide you with nutritional education and counseling to assist you in setting nutritional goals to maintain good health, including menu planning, food selection and preparation, recipe modification and education regarding food and drug interactions.

behavioral health programs

The STAR Health Centers offer comprehensive and confidential treatment services for a variety of issues that may be related to mental health or substance use needs, or a combination of both. Read More

support services

Case Management

Our Case Managers are fully trained and certified as Certified Application Counselors to help patients with Medicaid, ADAP, and Qualified Health Plan enrollment through the Marketplace. They meet with patients at their initial visit, annually, and every six months to evaluate their needs, including housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other Social Determinants of Health. Based on this assessment, Case Managers will make referrals to appropriate services to address the patient’s needs.

Care Coordination

Challenges keeping medical appointments or adhering to medications can dramatically affect your health outcomes. If you regularly miss appointments, medications, or both, you may benefit from specialized services in the STAR Health Centers to provide you with additional support. The STAR Health Centers can assign you a Patient Navigator who will encourage you to maintain your care by providing health education, daily medication reminders, accompaniment to medical and social service appointments, assistance with transportation services, and reminder calls for all scheduled appointments. The care coordination team will coordinate with your medical providers at STAR or outside facilities, advocate on your behalf, and ensure that you are able to obtain all the services that you need. Your assigned Patient Navigator may also visit you at home to provide ongoing support, as needed.

Family-Focused Healthcare Program

STAR-Downstate health center addresses family needs for people with HIV who are either planning families or are the primary caregiver for dependent children (age 18 years and younger). If you are living with HIV and pregnant, we provide coordinated obstetrical and HIV care from a prenatal care provider who has extensive experience in HIV. A designated family case manager will work with you to ensure the well-being of your entire family. Read More 

Corrections to Community – Back to Brooklyn

If you have been recently released from prison or jail, you may benefit from Back to Brooklyn services. On your release date, our Community Linkage Specialist (CLS) will meet you at the bus/train station, accompany you to your first parole appointment and approved housing within 24 hours of release. The CLS will also ensure you get enrolled in care and assist you with benefits and entitlements, legal services, vocational and educational needs, and transportation. Read More