Stories of Changed Lives

The 340B Discount Drug Program has changed the lives of thousands of people. Below are just a few of their stories.
The communities who consistently face inequitable hurdles to core social determinants of health are the same communities who have always been most at risk of contracting HIV — people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and people with low incomes. Ending the HIV epidemic is critical to building health equity in this country, and we need the kind of on-the-ground commitment to working across social determinants of health that safety net organizations provide to do it. 340B Makes It Possible.

Nicholas' Story

apartment housing photo After being diagnosed with HIV — on top of new critical medical needs — Nicholas struggled with depression and finding a place to stay. Tragically, these issues are not uncommon among people living with HIV and for many they can mean dangerously inconsistent access to care. But thankfully, Nicholas was able to take control of his story when he moved into the DAP Health Campus in Palm Springs, a facility that provides affordable housing and services for people with HIV and AIDS.

Once housed at the DAP Health campus, he had a safe place to discover the person he wanted to be. ‘After about a decade of sustained housing and other social services, my life has never been better,’ Nicholas said. Today, Nicholas produces an online media channel that’s racked up millions of views. He has convenient access to medical care, a therapist, and a nutritionist to stay healthy. In short, Nicholas has the care and support he needs to pursue his dreams. ‘It’s kind of mind-boggling to be in a place where everything in my life is working. I get to express my creativity in a way that makes a difference, and I’ve never been healthier and I’ve never been more stable.’

Soon, DAP Health will provide this safe housing for even more residents. The organization was recently approved to build 61 affordable housing units and 18,500 square feet of new health care services. Developed in partnership with the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, 29 units will be reserved for residents coming out of homelessness.

The 340B program makes services like the DAP health campus possible. Programs like these help people like Nicholas get the care they need and deserve, and help our communities slow the spread of the HIV epidemic. 340B Makes It Possible.

Frank's Story

food serviceFrank, who hails from Wisconsin, recently received an HIV diagnosis and, thankfully, he was able to establish HIV care through Vivent Health shortly after. A resident of a small, rural community, he utilizes Vivent Health pharmacy for home delivery of the medications he needs. Frank works full time, but despite his job, he struggles to make ends meet. People unable to meet basic needs like having enough food to eat have an astronomically harder time adhering to pharmaceutical regimes and keeping up with doctor appointments. That’s why his Vivient Health Case Manager helped him access their food pantry gift card program, and worked to get him utility assistance so that he and his family could afford to stay warm through the harsh winter months. After 4 months on his medication regime, Frank’s viral load is now undetectable — he is able to live life, be there for his family, and contribute to his community just as he did before his diagnosis. The 340B program makes services like Vivent Health’s home delivery, case management, and food pantry possible. Programs like these help people like Frank get the care they need and deserve, and help our communities slow the spread of the HIV epidemic. 340B Makes It Possible.

Sophie's Story

medication photoSophie came to DAP Health immediately after her partner, Dan, received a life-altering HIV diagnosis. Sophie didn’t have health insurance, but she knew she needed PrEP to stay in control of her health. She was reeling and she was scared.

Thankfully, the staff at DAP Health were able to work with Sophie to get her PrEP through the manufacturer and to provide the services she needed around her PrEP prescription at no cost to her. Just one day after Dan got his diagnosis, Sophie had started on PrEP.

The 340B program makes services like DAP Health’s medication navigation and cost-free visits possible. Services like these help people like Sophie get the care they need and deserve, and help our communities slow the spread of the HIV epidemic. 340B Makes It Possible.

Paul's Story

apartment exterior photoPaul, who lives with HIV, received an unwelcome blow recently when his landlord informed him he would not be able to renew his lease. A member of their HaRTSS program, Vivent Health Case Managers were able to help him quickly find other housing and along with the financial assistance he needed to pay for it. Beyond keeping a roof over his head, this assistance allowed Paul to stay near his immediate family — the support network that helps him stay consistent with his health care. That consistency has helped Paul achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load. The 340B program makes services like Vivent Health’s case management and HaRTSS program possible. Programs like these help people like Paul get the care they need and deserve, and help our communities slow the spread of the HIV epidemic. 340B Makes It Possible.

Questions?

Contact policy@aidsunited.org to speak with an expert.

Join the 340B Work Group

Contact dkackloudis@aidsunited.org for more information.