321 East First Street
Iowa City, IA 52244
319-338-2135
Iowa Center for AIDS Resources and Education
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is an infection which
disables the human immune system's ability to fight
infections and illnesses. Research indicates that HIV
is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome).
ICARE is a non-profit service agency that provides
comprehensive practical and emotional support to persons
with HIV/AIDS and to their partners, families, and
friends.
Referrals
Anonymous Testing and Health Care referrals:
ICARE provides information about state, county and city
testing and health care sites.
Legal Service Referrals:
ICARE provides referrals to legal resources specifically
established to assist people with HIV/AIDS-related concerns
obtain information and counsel regarding discrimination laws,
health and social service benefits, wills, powers of
attorney, and insurance.
Resource Library and Reading Room
ICARE has free brochures and educational materials on
AIDS-related issues and an extensive collection of books and
video tapes available on loan.
Counseling
Buddy Program:
ICARE provides trained volunteer "Buddies" to meet the special needs of PErsons with HIV/AIDS. Buddies provide emotional support, peer counseling, and companionship. They also help with grocery shopping, meal preparation, errand running, housekeeping and transportation.
Support Groups:
ICARE sponsers two active support groups: a group for persons with HIV/AIDS, and a group for the partners, families and friends of persons with HIV/AIDS.
Walk-In Support:
ICARE provides crisis intervention, as well as walk-in telephone emotional support.
Financial Assistance
ICARE provides funds for housing, utilities, food, counseling, medications, and miscellaneous living expenses on the basis of individual need and available funds.
Housing and Transportation
ICARE works to assist with local transportation and inexpensive overnight housing for persons traveling to Iowa City for medical or support purposes.
Community Education
ICARE provides education for businesses, schools and the community about HIV prevention and serves as a resource for information on HIV/AIDS related topics and issues.