SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV
The North Shore Health Project offers HIV education, testing, case management,
support groups, weekly community lunches and wellness programs to those
affected or impacted by HIV/AIDS.
All services listed below are free and confidential.
33 COMMERICAL ST. 2nd FLOOR
GLOUCESTER MA 01930
978-283-0101
MON-THURS 9AM-5PM
The North Shore Health Project offers HIV education, testing, case management,
support groups, weekly community lunches and wellness programs to those
affected or impacted by HIV/AIDS.
All services listed below are free and confidential.
33 COMMERICAL ST. 2nd FLOOR
GLOUCESTER MA 01930
978-283-0101
MON-THURS 9AM-5PM
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What is HIV Case Management? We define Case Management as “meeting people where they are at.” HIV Case Management clients will work one on one with our HIV Medical Case Manager to help obtain and maintain free or affordable health insurance, HIV specialists, and other medical or mental health providers. The case manager will also work with clients to coordinate and access housing supports, financial benefits, and other services and resources available to support people living with HIV/AIDS. We're here to talk about any challenges you may face. Our goal is to help you access all the available resources and supports you need to thrive based on what you want and goals you set for yourself. We also will assist with advocacy by being by your side as another voice and witness as you navigate challenges with health insurance, housing, and other systems. |
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What other services are available to Case Management clients?
Wednesday Community Lunches We offer lunches for clients every Wednesday, most often with guest speakers on topics such as health and nutrition, living well with HIV/AIDS, housing, and community resources. Nurse Educator Our on-staff Nurse Educator is available to work with clients on education regarding health and nutrition, medications and adherence, and all aspects of treatment. Support Groups Clients looking to spend time with their peers and receive support and education in a safe and secure setting can take advantage of our monthly support groups. Without a doubt, studies have shown peer-support helps decrease stress and depressive symptoms brought on by stigma and increases self-confidence, self-efficacy, and well-being. Support groups are facilitated by NSHP staff and include a meal as part of our nutrition program. Support groups include:
Nutrition Program With support from the Open Door, North Shore Health Project can provide clients with emergency groceries, congregate meals, nutritional speakers, and healthy cooking demos. Emergency Financial Support We will help you apply for any financial assistance available for help with rent, utilities, food, etc. Arts & Crafts Making art alone or with a group can be fun and therapeutic at the same time. We have numerous supplies for arts and crafts for groups and individuals to work on small and large scale pieces like our Interwoven public art project below. |
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INTERWOVEN
Long-Term HIV/AIDS Survivor Stories & Connections
This unique collection of handwoven and crocheted panels was created by North Shore residents with HIV/AIDS as a means of claiming space and visibility for interconnected community resilience, strength, and pride.
Though initiatives like World AIDS Day and the AIDS Quilt Names Project rightfully honor those we’ve lost to the epidemic, those who survived to tell the tale often feel invisible and even unsafe to disclose their HIV status in public spaces.
Survivors diagnosed early in the epidemic still struggle with psychological and medical trauma from the toxic effects of early medications, loss of friends, partners, livelihoods, and body autonomy, and multiple experiences of discrimination compounded by LGBTQ+ stigma, racism, and other inequities. Sharing the common thread of an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, many survivors have woven friendships and communities to support one another and form life-long bonds.
Together, these artists represent half of North Shore Health Project’s HIV/AIDS client population, a group that has come together to create an immersive fiber arts exhibit of panels, scarves, and blankets that tell the joys and sorrows of their personal stories. Many of the pieces display the artist's year of HIV/AIDS diagnosis and whatever other words, symbols, and images best express their thoughts and feelings today.
Led by clients from the North Shore Health Project this spatial justice project was made possible with funding from NEFA (New England Foundation for the Arts), Essex County Community Foundation, and Gilead Sciences.
Interwoven was first exhibited June 3 through June 22, 2023, at Rockport Art Association & Museum, Rockport MA. Currently, the exhibit can be viewed in our site, 33 Commercial St. Gloucester MA. We are in conversation about future exhibits on the North Shore. Contact us with any inquiries.