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often are patients seen? Clients can pick up food every other
week.
Are all patients screened
for nutritional risk? Clients receive a nutrition assessment including
a BIA during the initial intake. Nutrition follow-ups are once a year,
but are not mandatory.
How often do you provide
nutritional assessments and follow-ups? An initial nutrition assessment
is done on all new clients. Follow-ups are suggested once a year; BIAs
can be done as often as once a month.
Other Provided Nutritional
Services: "We offer a comprehensive meal program including prepared
and frozen meals, fresh produce, and grocery items. Also, a weekly on-site
hot lunch and home delivery of food items. In addition, we offer: on-site
visits, BIAs, workshops, after hours programs, cooking classes, home visitations,
nutrition classes, nutrition support groups, and an in-house nutrition
education periodical."
Patient Education Materials:
Most of the patient education materials are developed in-house. Materials
included are nutrition fact sheets, recipe cards, and a cookbook with recipes
based on food items distributed by Food Outreach. Ms. Bradley also uses
brochures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American
Heart Association, Missouri Beef Council, St. Louis City Water Reports,
and non-branded information from drug companies.
What is your most difficult
issue? Keeping up-to-date on HIV/AIDS issues.
Who is your best ally?
"My co-workers, over 400 volunteers who help in all aspects of the organization,
clients (especially those who are volunteers), our Board of Directors,
employees of other AIDS Service Organizations, HIV case managers, physicians,
and the AIDS Nutrition Services
Alliance (ANSA)."
What differences exist
between current clientele and that of the HIV+ person in the early 1980s?
Ms. Bradley finds that today’s clients have improved health and are living
healthier and longer. They lead productive lives and work either full or
part time. Additionally, there has been a significant growth in the number
of African Americans served and an increase in the female population as
well.
Is someone involved
in program operation actively involved with the local HIV/AIDS Health Services
Planning Council? The Executive Director of Food Outreach, Greg Lukeman
and some volunteers (who are also clients) serve on the planning council.
How do you participate
in HIV/AIDS networking groups? Mainly through the Internet.
What have you found
to be most useful in helping to keep up with the current research on nutrition
and HIV? The Internet, ANSA,
email and dietitians at similar organizations throughout the country.
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