Resources for New Orleanians Living with HIV

Being diagnosed with HIV might be scary, but it’s not something you have to face alone.

HIV is manageable and treatable (though not currently curable), and there are several resources in New Orleans that can help you manage your medication regimen, expand your knowledge, process your emotions, and access housing and meals.

Not sure of your HIV status? Start by getting tested. If you’ve been tested and are HIV negative, you can make sure you’re protected against the virus by talking to your LCMC Health physician about PrEP.

The following resources can help New Orleanians who have received a positive HIV diagnosis keep themselves well in mind, body, and spirit.

LCMC Health HIV Outpatient Program

Housed within University Medical Center New Orleans, our HIV Outpatient Program (HOP) offers vital resources and treatment for people living with HIV, as well as access to preventative medications for people who are at high risk of exposure to HIV. HOP offers comprehensive, compassionate care to all people. If you haven’t had an HIV test yet, we can even take care of that at your first appointment. For more information, check out our Guide to Getting Started with HOP.

Bounce to Zero

“Let’s get t’werk, y’all!” Alongside spokesperson Big Freedia, this campaign by the New Orleans Health Department provides accessible, easy to understand information and resources on HIV. The goal? To help New Orleans “bounce” back from HIV and create a city with zero new infections. The campaign’s centralized linkage experts, who you can contact via call or text at (504) 884-3307, can help you navigate the complete spectrum of HIV care, including finding a treatment provider to help you lower your HIV viral load. They can also help you find supportive services to address mental and emotional challenges that may arise during your diagnosis and treatment.

Project Lazarus

Treating an HIV infection is just one part of caring for people living with HIV. A number of physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs must also be addressed to ensure a high quality of life for those with a positive diagnosis. A transitional living facility for New Orleanians living with HIV, Project Lazarus provides a room, meals, counseling, medical case management, and a variety of other compassionate services. If you have a need for any of these services, find out more or contact the clinical team.

New Orleans Area of Narcotics Anonymous (NOANA)

If you were exposed to HIV through injection drug use and need help quitting, NOANA offers a series of in-person and virtual meeting groups that offer a community forum for sharing your experiences and receiving support. These meetings are free and open to people of all identities. You can find a support group near you and in your preferred format using the NOANA meetings calendar. Your LCMC Health physician can also provide guidance and recommendations on managing your health and withdrawal symptoms throughout your cessation journey.

The Movement NOLA

This community organization provides support and resources to LGBTQ+ people of color. In addition to HIV testing and social services navigation, the ONE+ program offers 1-on-1 counseling for people living with HIV, as well as peer support programs both virtually and online. The Movement also hosts fun events, such as movie nights and karaoke, to create safe spaces for queer people of color to engage with and uplift each other.