PALSS facilitates the delivery of services to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones through the provision of a comprehensive system of case management that includes outreach, assessment, monitoring, service planning, financial resource planning, crisis intervention and prevention, case coordination, advocacy, education and follow-up.

The Department
PALSS Case Management Department consists of three Primary Case Managers, an Intake/Screening Specialist, Housing Coordinator, Discharge Planner and a Counseling Social Worker. Case Managers not only assist clients at PALSS but they also provide services at the Richland County Health Department and at the Ryan White clinic. The Intake/Screening Specialist's main roles consist of screening and assisting clients with their immediate needs and coordinating intakes.

How We Assist?
PALSS Case Management staff assists clients in understanding and applying for various services in the community that they may by eligible for such as Medicaid and SC ADAP. Medicaid provides free health insurance and long-term care coverage for certain low-income people and will pay doctors' bills and other health costs for those who qualify.

The South Carolina AIDS Drug Assistance program (SC ADAP) was established under the Ryan White CARE Act to provide drugs to treat HIV disease and/or to prevent the serious deterioration of health arising from HIV disease in eligible individuals and is operated through a centralized pharmacy at the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Counseling Program
PALSS provides a counseling program at the Salvation Army called Home Sweet Home. The Home Sweet Home program is funded through the Housing Urban Department and staffs a Counseling Social Worker that assists clients either at the Salvation Army, PALSS or at other local organizations if necessary. The purpose of the Home Sweet Home program is to provide individual, family and group counseling for individuals living with HIV/AIDS who are homeless. The program can also provide general information about HIV/AIDS and referrals to PALSS and other organizations in the Midlands.

Discharge Planning
PALSS provides discharge planning to inmates living with HIV/AIDS at the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC).

The program staffs a Discharge Planner at SCDC to assist with the development and coordination of discharge services for inmates scheduled to be released at the men and women's correctional institution. As a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Discharge Planner provides ongoing assistance and support to community based service providers for inmates who are returning to the community.

Support Group Services
PALSS provides monthly support groups for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families for the purpose of emotional support and HIV education. Support groups are co-facilitated by PALSS Case Managers and Assistant Case Managers. Currently, PALSS facilitates a Men and Women's support group.

The Men's Support Group
This support group provides a controlled and safe environment in which HIV positive men may share ideas, combat isolation, discuss concerns and obtain support from others in similar situations.

The Women's Support Group
This support group provides HIV positive women a safe and confidential environment where they can share their thoughts and feelings about HIV/AIDS and other issues affecting their lives. PALSS can provide transportation and childcare at the support groups upon request.

Housing Program
PALSS provides clients expanded access to location of and access to housing, and is instrumental in developing linkages to housing providers and housing support resources.

HOPWA/CCHAP
PALSS can either assist client's in obtaining housing through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program or the Columbia Cares Housing Assistance Program (CCHAP). HOPWA funds are designed to provide emergency housing assistance, defined as short-term rent, mortgage and utility payments and supportive services for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless.

CCHAP
The CCHAP program provides housing assistance through section 8 vouchers administered by the City of Columbia, PALSS, Cooperative Ministries and the Columbia Housing Authority. This program is also designed to prevent homelessness to persons living with HIV/AIDS. PALSS housing coordination services help to decrease recidivism into homelessness. The PALSS Housing Coordinator collaborates with other housing providers through participation on various committees and commissions working to alleviate homelessness in the metro Columbia area.

Living Center
The Living Center provides a caring environment for persons living with HIV/AIDS. In this space, PALSS clients have the opportunity to meet with the Assistant Case Managers, have access to the Internet and a resource library, receive assistance with a resume or job application or attend life skills workshops. Educational videos are shown and snacks are provided during the day.

Fridays at the LC
"Friday Movie Madness" is the showing of the latest video releases and buttered popcorn and other snacks for client's enjoyment. Assistant case managers coordinate

Other LC Services
Living Center services such as computer training and usage, educational

programming and facilitation of support groups. A living center brochure is distributed to the clients every month.

Recreational Activities
Assistant case managers plan and facilitate recreational activities such as trips to the zoo, museums, and picnics.

Asst. Support Groups
Case managers and Assistant case managers co-facilitate groups for the purpose of emotional support and HIV education. Men and women support and psycho-educational groups are currently being facilitated at the PALSS' Living Center.

Shower/Laundry Room
The shower and laundry room is available for PALSS clients who receive case management services. The laundry room is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The laundry room is closed on Thursdays. Clients must provide their own laundry supplies.

Transportation
Assistant case managers provide transportation to Harvest Hope Food Bank, Department of Social Services and the Social Security Administration.