Carrie’s Journey
I have been using drugs for a long time as a way to cope with things out of my control. In and out of treatment, nothing has worked yet. I don’t know when I’ll get clean. I’ve lost plenty of jobs, lived on the street and been hungry too many times to count. Seems like when I get one part of my life going right another falls apart. It all doesn’t work at once.
Journey
Prevention
I was using the Lifepoint syringe program from Vivent Health. All was good, until they tested me one day for HIV and Hep C. I found out I have HIV. That hit me hard. It’s like, what am I doing with my life? The drugs alone weren’t enough to make me change. I made an appointment that day to get help.
Journey
HIV Case Management Services
I went to an appointment with Lisa, a case manager. This is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me using drugs. But somehow, it’s giving me hope. Hope that I can make this the thing that breaks my addiction. Lisa seems like a friend, I can tell her anything.
Journey
Medical Care
When I see the doctor assigned to me, it’s good to know I am not alone. He gets addiction and HIV, and how I got here. He promises to show me the road out. I must get a handle on the HIV and somehow use it to motivate me to get clean. My doctor gets me, and Lisa will be there when I’m struggling.
Journey
Behavioral Health Care
Lisa introduces me to Kaitlyn, who is my counselor. I can see this could change my life. They are both like angels sent to rescue me. Too bad I got where I am. But Kaitlyn has seen others just like me, even worse. It helps that I can see my doctor and counselor in the same place. I didn’t know that was possible.
Journey
Housing Programs
Lisa knew right away that I didn’t have a place to stay that wasn’t adding to my addiction. She immediately got me in to see about finding a safe place to recover. And I didn’t have to pay. I am so grateful for this all. I can focus on staying clean and healthy. It is unbelievable.
Journey
Pharmacy
I go to the pharmacy, in the same place as everything else, and they help me with the paperwork to get all of my medicines, for free. I didn’t think I mattered that much. I can really start seeing my way out of this. There’s medicine that can make the HIV undetectable, maybe I could have a real relationship one day.
Journey
Food Pantry & Nutrition
I even got two weeks of groceries given to me today. And a place to stay. I won’t have to think about when or what I will eat. I have been shown more care here than ever in my life. I can come for counseling or a doctor’s appointment and get food, so I won’t struggle. There are angels in the wings here. Truly there are.
Journey
Legal Services
My HIV is manageable, but I told my counselor I was afraid because I have a problem with a past employer for something that happened when I was using. I am afraid I might start using again. Kaitlyn made an appointment with a lawyer here. Whatever he did, it got solved. I don’t know what I did to deserve this.
Journey
Other Services: Dental Care
I am doing really well. I am keeping all my appointments and don’t feel like the drugs have a hold on me. In time, I think I will see the dentist at Vivent Health. I should really take care of all of me.
Journey
Continues
Vivent Health has a life-changing impact on our patients lives because we have all of the health care and support services under one roof AND because we encourage patients to use them. You’ve just had the opportunity to take a patient journey and experience our medical home model of care. Please choose a word that best describes your experience. We thank you in advance for your participation!