The Public Health Department collaborates with local organizations to provide a range of HIV/AIDS care and prevention programs. The Public Health Department’s Health Care Centers in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria provide medical care to people with HIV/AIDS. Community agencies provide HIV-related education, testing, case management, and assistance with housing, food, and other basic needs. Services are available in Spanish and English. More information on any of these services is available by calling (805) 681-5120 or (805) 346-8291. Also see the HIV Resource Manual (PDF): [ English ] [ Español ]
Health Care
Comprehensive health care for individuals living with HIV and AIDS is available through the Public Health Department’s Health Care Centers in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, and through collaborating health care providers. Services include medical and dental care, medical case management, medication management, and referrals for specialty care and other needed services.
Financial Assistance
For clients who do not have private or other medical insurance, financial assistance may be available for HIV care and treatment. Clients may receive financial assistance with their medical services through Medicare, Medi-Cal, or the Ryan White Act. Additional assistance may be available through the County’s Medically Indigent Adult (MIA) program for those who do not qualify for other support. Prescription drug expenses may be covered through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).
Housing, Food & Other Support
Various types of housing assistance are available for eligible people with HIV/AIDS. Hospice services and intensive residential care are provided through AIDS Housing Santa Barbara (805) 563-9990. Temporary rent and utility assistance are available through Pacific Pride Foundation (805) 963-3636. Food, personal hygiene items, and transportation assistance are available for qualifying individuals through the Necessities of Life Program at Pacific Pride Foundation in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
Testing, Counseling & Education
HIV testing is provided through a variety of area clinics and agencies, including Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, Pacific Pride Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and the County Health Care Centers, as well as private doctors. Most sites offer sliding scale fee discounts and in some locations HIV testing is available free of charge. For more information about HIV testing call (805) 346-8276. Consent Form (PDF)
Counseling, psychiatric, and substance abuse referrals are available through the Public Health centers, Pacific Pride Foundation, and Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. Assistance with family and partner notification is also available through these agencies.
HIV prevention outreach, education, and training are available through Pacific Pride Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
Syringe Exchange Program
Pacific Pride Foundation operates the Syringe Exchange Program (The Right Outfit) in which used syringes can be exchanged for clean syringes at their Santa Barbara and Santa Maria sites. Call (805) 963-3636 for program days and times. Clean syringes can also be purchased without a prescription under the Disease Prevention Demonstration Project at participating pharmacies.
Community Involvement
Local HIV/AIDS prevention and care strategies are developed through a community planning committee known as the HIV Prevention and Care Council (HPCC). HPCC meetings are open to the public, and all interested parties. People infected with and affected by HIV are encouraged to attend.
Surveillance and Required Reporting
The Public Health Department collects and reports information on HIV and AIDS cases in Santa Barbara County to the California Office of AIDS and the Centers for Disease Control. Testing laboratories and medical providers are required to report HIV case information to the County HIV/AIDS Surveillance Coordinator. Please see the links below for more information on these reporting requirements.
Letter to providers from Dr. Schulman (PDF)
HIV Reporting Information- CDPH
Press Release- Names Reporting (PDF)
Resources/Data
The Public Health Department produces and maintains a collection of reports and data describing the current HIV/AIDS epidemic, service delivery plans and recent surveys of HIV/Client needs, including:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF)
2008 HIV_AIDS Morbidity Report (PDF)
HIV Care Program Service Delivery Plan 2010 - 2013 (PDF)
2007 Ryan White Oral Health Needs Assessment (PDF)
2006 Needs Assessment (PDF)
HIV/AIDS Prevention Facts Sheet (PDF)
California AIDS Hotline - 800/367-AIDS (English/Español); TDD: 888/225-AIDS