Positive Link HIV Services

STI Testing, HIV Services and Hepatitis C Treatment

Our prevention services team offers a wide variety of programs that are designed to reach individuals in need of HIV prevention, education and testing. When HIV is detected early, and people engage in healthcare and treatment, HIV is a very manageable illness. There is no cure for HIV but it can be treated. In fact, current HIV medications can reduce the amount of HIV in the body so low that HIV cannot be detected by lab tests. Once the virus cannot be detected in the blood, it can no longer be transmitted sexually. Experts refer to this as U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable).

Positive Link provides testing in several regions of the state. Even if we are unable to offer HIV testing in your area, we will gladly connect you with someone who can. All HIV and HCV testing at Positive Link is free and confidential. Testing is done either with a finger stick, oral swab or blood draw. With similar modes of transmission, we are also able to screen for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis for a small administrative fee.

For more information on testing hours and locations, email us at HIVtesting@iuhealth.org or call 812.353.3169 and leave a message. One of our testers will return your call within one business day.

Positive Link Health Clinic

Positive Link operates a health clinic that specializes in HIV primary care, HCV treatment and PrEP at our Bloomington location, with virtual access points in each of our service areas. This clinic is designed to meet the needs of people living with HIV, HCV or who are interested in PrEP.

Primary Care for People Living with HIV

If you are living with HIV, your main medical point of contact may be your infectious disease provider. They will help you navigate managing your HIV. There are other general health issues that can be addressed by a primary care provider. This is where we come in. By accessing our primary care office, you will have a provider who is experienced in working with people living with HIV, but their focus will be on your other health concerns that are not directly related to your HIV. Primary care is available in person at our Bloomington office. Our other locations offer this service via telehealth.

To schedule an appointment for HIV primary care, please contact our HIV Services at hiv@iuhealth.org.

Mental and Emotional Health

Living with HIV can create an additional level of stress above and beyond the day-to-day situations we all encounter. Positive Link acknowledges the importance of comprehensive, holistic care for our clients. To address these needs, we can provide therapy from our Bloomington office in person, and anywhere virtually.

What is PrEP?

PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is typically a once-a-day pill that reduces the risk of contracting HIV. Studies show that these medications are up to 99% effective at preventing transmission through sex. If taken as prescribed, you can reduce your chances of acquiring HIV by over 95%. It is recommended that PrEP be used in combination with other prevention methods, such as using condoms and never sharing equipment used to inject drugs.

If you think pre-exposure prophylaxis may be an important part of your HIV prevention routine, please reach out to one of our PrEP navigators. They will help you decide if PrEP is right for you assist you with navigating insurance coverage. If needed, they can help you with accessing additional coverage to pay for your medication. Do not let cost or anxiety from unanswered questions be the reason you do not access PrEP. Our navigators will give you judgment-free answers to all your questions and help you connect with the right provider to prescribe HIV prevention medication.

We are able to provide PrEP services via telehealth for patients at all of our locations. To schedule an appointment for PrEP, please contact the PrEP navigator at the location nearest to you or email prepnavigation@iuhealth.org.

Hepatitis C Treatment

Our HCV care coordinators are here to help guide you through the process of finding a provider to evaluate and treat Hepatitis C. Breakthroughs in Direct Acting Antivirals provide oral, once a day, medication that has little to no side effects in most patients. Not only is the treatment simple but, if taken as directed, almost all people living with HCV are cured within 8-12 weeks.

Client Services

The Positive Link client services team provides support and care to those living with HIV. All services are provided without cost to the client and are available to anyone living with HIV. 

An HIV diagnosis is life-altering, but it's often one of many issues faced. We offer services to improve your quality of life via a comprehensive, client-centered approach. 

Our case management aims to holistically address your wellness, managing HIV and other disorders that can occur with it. Non-medical case management reduces barriers to care, while medical case management focuses on improving health outcomes. Our case managers will help you understand the impact of HIV, facilitate connections to other medical care, assist with obtaining medication, help with accessing insurance, and provide social support.

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential, especially for those living with HIV. However, cost can be a challenge. We offer nutritional assistance programs to ensure a healthy diet is accessible to all.

For clients who use substances, our supportive care team provides harm reduction counseling for those not looking for or unable to achieve total abstinence. If you're working towards abstinence, we will help you access treatment options for your needs. These could include inpatient or residential programs, detox, medication-assisted treatment, 12-step programs, or individual therapy. Your health and goals are our priority, and we will work with you to find the best option.