Tucked away near downtown Baton Rouge is a haven for hundreds of people living with AIDS and HIV. In this office on the second floor of Great Foster Suites friends are among friends. It is the headquarters for the Friends for Life AIDS Resource Center.
Nearly seventeen years in operation, the center acts a much needed caregiver to those infected with the disease. Volunteers and staff members provide counseling and other services to a vast array of clients.
Tina Lee has been a staff member and volunteer at Friends for Life for three years now. As a consumer advocate at the center, she cofacillitates a womens’ support group, goes on home visits and goes to doctor appointments with the clients.
“We mostly deal with pregnant women, youth and adolescents, “said Lee. “Men can also receive services if they are the primary caregiver of an infected child.”
The center also helps pay for bills such as rent, utilities, telephone and water.
“We help them with everyday things that you can probably get up and take care of yourself,”said Lee of the errands of which the center will readily help clients.
Some medication expenses can also be decreased or eliminated by Friends for Life.
“A lot of our patients are on Medicaid and Medicare. Some are also on welfare. It can get expensive. One bottle of medicine can be as much as $400. Half of the clients are on more than one type of HIV medication, ” said Lee
The non-profit organization receives most of their funding through the Ryan White CARE Act.
Friends for Life also offers condoms and free HIV testing during regular business hours and on Wednesday nights from 5-7. All staff members and volunteers are certified HIV counseling and testing specialists. If a person chooses, anonymous or confidential testing can be administered.
Office hours are from 8-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Counselors and staff members can be reached at 923-2277. Walk-ins are welcome. Friends for Life is located at 660 North Foster Drive, Suite C 100 (Great Foster Office Suites) in Baton Rouge. More information can also be obtained at www.friendsforlife.br.org.
