An AIDS Project Rhode Island program that helps people living with HIV/AIDS with everyday tasks is starting up again.
The WellSpring program, better known as the buddy program, helps patients with the greatest need with tasks ranging from groceries to medical appointments. A $150, 000 grant from the Rhode Island Department of Health is responsible for bringing it back.
The program began in 1984, assigning buddies to dying patients who’d been rejected by their families. It ran for over two decades until a decline in demand and funding forced it to end.
Christine Hunsinger is a spokeswoman for AIDS Project Rhode Island which runs similar programs throughout the state. She says the buddy program was brought back because of growing demand as life expectancy for patients continues to increase.
Hunsinger says services have changed to meet the needs of today’s patients who face different challenges than those who piloted the program in the 80’s.
The reintroduced buddy program offers nutritional support for aging patients while keeping popular features from the past- like group counseling.
“Today it’s a much different experience but supports still need to be in place for people who are living with HIV/AIDS- so mental, emotional, and spiritual support are still very important,” said Hunsinger.
Hunsinger says thanks to medical advancements, the buddy program’s services can treat HIV/AIDS like a chronic disease, not a death sentence.
About 30 patients are currently enrolled.
