The HIV Health Services Planning Council is a federally-mandated body that plans, prioritizes, and allocates Ryan White Program funds for HIV services in Middlesex, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties. The Council includes people living with HIV, healthcare providers, community representatives, and local officials who work together to ensure effective HIV care and services.

The Planning Council welcomes new members, especially people living with HIV/AIDS. Membership applications are reviewed periodically, and members serve two-year terms. Visit our Planning Council page to learn about membership requirements and download an application, or call (732) 937-5288 for more information.

Services include medical care, case management, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, nutrition services, transportation assistance, housing support, legal services, and emergency financial assistance. The range of services varies by provider. Visit our Find Services page to explore all available services.

No. Many services are available regardless of insurance status. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides services to eligible individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Our case managers can help you apply for insurance programs like Medicaid or access services through the Ryan White Program.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of HIV medicines taken daily to treat HIV infection. ART helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives and reduces the risk of HIV transmission. When taken as prescribed, ART can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) to undetectable levels.

Yes. Several programs can help you afford HIV treatment, including the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Medicaid, and Medicare. Many providers offer sliding fee scales based on income. Our case managers can help you access these programs and navigate insurance options.

HIV testing is available at multiple locations throughout our service area, including health departments, community health centers, and medical clinics. Many sites offer free, confidential testing with no appointment necessary. Visit our Find Services page to locate testing sites near you.

Yes, HIV testing is confidential. Testing sites follow strict privacy protocols to protect your information. You can choose between confidential testing (results linked to your name but kept private) or anonymous testing (no name attached to test). All testing sites in New Jersey are required to maintain confidentiality.

Many testing sites offer free HIV testing. Sites that charge typically accept insurance, and financial assistance may be available for those without insurance. No one should be denied HIV testing due to inability to pay.

HIV Connect Central NJ is the Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon HIV Health Services Planning Council's resource directory and information hub. We connect people living with HIV/AIDS to medical care, support services, and community resources across central New Jersey.

Services are available to anyone living with HIV/AIDS in Middlesex, Somerset, or Hunterdon counties. Many services are also available to those affected by HIV, including family members and caregivers. Some programs have specific eligibility requirements based on income, insurance status, or other factors. Contact individual providers to learn about their specific eligibility criteria.

You can access services by contacting providers directly through our directory. Many providers offer walk-in services, while others require appointments. If you're unsure where to start, call our hotline at (732) 937-5288 for guidance.