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SCHUYLKILL WELLNESS SERVICES (SWS)

512-514 North Centre St

Pottsville PA   17901

(570) 622-3980

A Program Unit of Co-County Wellness Services

Schuylkill Wellness Services (SWS), a program unit of Co-County Wellness Services, was founded in 1997. The agency mission is to "provide professional, compassionate service and prevention education to meet individual and community needs associated with HIV/AIDS and related health issues."

Although Schuylkill County is largely rural and many residents do not perceive HIV/AIDS as their issue, the epidemic is affecting the area. The number of reported AIDS cases more than doubled in the last five years ... from 47 in September 1995 to 125 in December 2003.

Currently HIV is reportable in Pennsylvania as of November 2002, so the number of those with HIV infection ... as opposed to having AIDS ... cannot be determined because statistics are not yet available. Many with HIV are unaware of their infection until an AIDS defining symptom appears, a process that takes as long as 10 years. It is clear that the epidemic will not disappear but will continue to grow in the years to come.

SWS is charged with increasing HIV/AIDS awareness, the most effective way to slow the progression of the epidemic. Age-appropriate HIV prevention education programs are available to all segments of the County, from students to churches and the workplace.

SWS's Advisory Committee is made up of resident like Harriet Bogage, CeCe Boran, Betty Bradley, Jean Dubowitz, Mandy Fitzpatrick, Tara Furer, Alexandra Muhaw, Carlton Sheets, Melanie Thornberg and Linda Bogage Vanarsdale.

These residents are supplemented by human services professionals like Psychologist Patricia Brownmiller, Registered Nurse Mary Halupa, Housing Specialist Billie Payne and Lutheran Minister the Reverand Jay Serafin.

SWS provides a full array of AIDS related services to assist those with HIV/AIDS and to prevent the transmission of HIV in the County.

For those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, SWS offers:

• case management and referrals

• medical care coordination and adherence

• support groups

• housing assistance

• wellness services

• limited emergency financial support

For those at high risk for HIV and other STD's, SWS offers:

• risk assessment for those in prison and drug and alcohol programs

• harm reduction

• pre/post HIV test counseling

• confidential and anonymous HIV testing

  • Free, confidential and anonymous HIV antibody testing from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays

   

• Screening and treatment clinic for STD's

  • syphilis

  • HIV infection

  • gonorrhea

  • chlamydia

  Clinic Hours

  Tuesday	9:00 a.m.	to	4:00 p.m.
  Wednesday	11:00 a.m.	to	7:00 p.m.

Call for additional information (570) 622-5083

For the community, SWS offers:

• age-appropriate prevention education in schools and other youth programs

• workplace programs

• community outreach

• speakers bureau training for volunteers

• teacher in-service training

• curriculum development

• parents AIDS training

• church and community education programs

STATISTICS

Client Statistics through September, 2006