Center for AIDS Research and Care C.A.R.E.

Serving the HIV/AIDS Community

Developed in 1988, the Summa Health C.A.R.E. Center is designed to meet the unique healthcare needs of patients with HIV/AIDS in our community. The C.A.R.E. staff provides patients with counseling and educational services, outpatient medical treatment, case management, assistance in acquiring medications, and referrals for supportive services.

The C.A.R.E. Center is staffed and works with HIV/AIDS-certified nurses, physicians board-certified in HIV medicine and/or infectious diseases, psychologists who are experienced in working with HIV/AIDS patients and HIV-certified pharmacists. These individuals are dedicated to optimizing our patients’ medical, emotional, socioeconomic and psychological wellness.

STI Clinic

The Summa Health STI Clinic offers same-day and next-day testing appointments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

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HIV Prevention

Prevention of HIV is important for both patients and the community. The C.A.R.E. Center provides PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) treatments to those who may be high risk for HIV and want to further reduce their risk. Taking one pill daily can significantly reduce one’s risk of acquiring HIV infection. Safe sex counseling and STD testing is also part of PrEP treatment.

HIV injectable medications:

HIV injectable medications are available for HIV patients who are already on medications and undetectable for at least six months, can switch to this for a pill-free regimen. Following an oral lead in for a month, patients then switch to injections. These are intra-muscular injections, one of each medication, given every eight weeks, administered by nurses in the office. Studies show this regimen to be non-inferior to oral regimens. Main side effects are injection site reactions, but these are generally tolerated well.

Capsid inhibitors are currently only approved for treatment in advanced patients who cannot achieve becoming undetectable with other standard medications, usually due to multi-drug resistant virus. This is used in combination with an oral optimized background of other HIV pills. It is a subcutaneous injection given in the office every six months. This is currently also being studied for use in HIV in other situations.

PrEP medications:

Oral options are HIV medications, but in prevention they are used to prevent HIV infection. They are approved for daily use.

Injection options are given every eight weeks for prevention of HIV. A pill-free regimen, these injections are intramuscular, given in the office by nurses.

All PrEP regimens have been shown to be highly effective when used correctly – over 99% effective. When on PrEP, patients must have HIV lab testing done frequently to make sure the patient remains negative. For oral regimens, testing occurs every three months, and for injections, testing occurs every eight weeks, before the injection is given. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is done at multiple visits each year, and condom use is strongly suggested to prevent other STIs.

Scheduling Appointments

If you are a new HIV+ patient, we will require proof of HIV+ status, as testing is not performed in our office. In most cases, your initial visit will be with our AIDS Certified RN, who will discuss your medical history, educate about HIV and order necessary lab work. Your next visit will be with the physician who will discuss lab results and treatment plans. Patients being seen for PrEP or prevention services will be scheduled with a physician at the first available appointment which fits their needs. Our office encourages you to be an advocate for your health. Please bring a list of questions you may have concerning your health or treatment plan. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please notify us as soon as possible. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.

Research

Since the opening of the C.A.R.E. Center in 1988, significant advancements in the treatment of HIV/AIDS have been developed. The C.A.R.E. Center is also a clinical research unit that evaluates new, state-of-the-art medications, as well as the effectiveness of existing treatments, for qualifying patients who are interested.

Dedicated in Memory of Darleen C. Claypoole, RN

In 2005, the Summa Health C.A.R.E. Center was dedicated in memory of Darleen C. Claypoole, a case management nurse who cared for HIV positive patients since the center’s inception.

For more information about the C.A.R.E. Center, call 330.375.4851.

For Your Visit

Financial problems should never be a deterrent to obtaining medical care. If you are unable to pay for your prescriptions, please inform your physician or nurse. We will assist you in obtaining services and information available to address your concerns.

The physicians at the C.A.R.E. Center are participating providers with Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance plans. Please bring your insurance card each time you visit and notify the staff of any changes in your coverage.

It is the primary responsibility of the patient to know their insurance coverage and requirements. Please be aware of these requirements for services performed in or out of the office. We will assist you in scheduling your services in the appropriate facility.

Resources

The C.A.R.E. Center works with several agencies located in Summit and surrounding counties:

STI/HIV Testing Resources:

PrEP Resources:

Meet the C.A.R.E. Team

The C.A.R.E. team provides patients with counseling and educational services, outpatient medical treatment, case management, assistance in acquiring medications, and referrals for supportive services.

View All Team Members

Location and Hours

Summa Health System - Akron Campus
Building 3, East Pavilion
75 Arch St, Suite 104
Akron, OH 44304
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Hours:

Monday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday - 8:00 a.m. to noon
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed

Center for AIDS Research and Education (C.A.R.E.)

Serving the HIV/AIDS Community

Appointments

General Inquiries