Recognizing the need to treat medically underserved people with HIV, Harrisburg infectious disease specialist Lisa Tkatch, MD, started the Resource Education and Comprehensive Care for HIV program (REACCH).
With an emphasis on treatment and prevention of the spread of HIV, the program provides primary medical care and HIV management for men, women, and children.
"I knew if we could work with mothers and children, we could make a real difference. Since 1998, not a single baby in our program has been born with the virus, due to treatment of the mother," explained Dr. Tkatch.
This comprehensive care program, coordinated by a registered nurse, includes a full range of services: diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive. It includes education about HIV disease and transmission, as well as treatment recommendations and how to access them. The program’s six staff members also provide nutritional counseling, social service support, financial counseling, and links to other community resources.
"We do whatever we need to do to help our patients," said Dr. Tkatch. "We pay for cab rides; we go to their homes. Once they understand the importance of keeping their appointments and taking their medication, their lives get better."