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By Denise Li, BS
Year Program Started: 1987 (Note: dietitian was not added until the fall of 1998).
Principal RD: Shelly J. Gage MS, RD, CD
Service Provisions: Ms. Gage is committed to 22 hours per week, traveling among the different sites.
Patient Referral Source: Recommendations to the clinics include the Vermont State Department of Health, through anonymous testing, the AIDS Service Organization’s (ASO) throughout the state, Fletcher Allen Health Care Infectious Disease Unit and other acute care facilities, and self referral.
Number of Clients and Population Served: CCC is responsible for 310 adult clients; 81% male, 19% female. The population is quite homogenous, with 81% Caucasian, 3% Hispanic, 10% African-American, and 6% of other ethnicity. Sixty six percent of the clinic’s population is equal or below the federal poverty line, with another 22% within 101% - 200% of the federal poverty line. Last year produced 60 new clients. There is an outreach program, co-sponsored by the State Health Department, which attempts to test ‘at risk’ populations. Links are made through our clients, and generally include IV drug abusers. The oral testing is done at a time and place that the ‘at risk’ person designates. The tester is trained in post-test counseling and help with accessing medical care is available.
Funding Source: Ryan White Title II/Title III funds
How often are patients seen? Patients are screened for nutritional risk near the time they enter into care at the clinics. Depending on the nutrition risk score, the client is seen to address the issues identified, from weekly to once a year reassessment. All patients are encouraged to see the dietitian at their doctor visits, or whenever a new nutrition problem arises. The nurses often identify nutrition issues as barriers to adherence and are a primary source of referrals for additional nutrition care.
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