MILWAUKEE — For more than 40 years, Vivent Health has cared for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The organization, formerly known as the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, started in Milwaukee and now has centers throughout the state of Wisconsin and across the country.
Vivent offers wrap-around medical and social services for people living with HIV, and it’s all available under one roof at no cost. That includes medical and dental care, a pharmacy, food pantry, help with housing, as well as resources to navigate the legal system and recover from addiction.
Bridigette Bowen has been a patient at Vivent Health for two years. She was diagnosed with HIV when she was 32 years old, but said it took her two decades to seek help.
“I was too ashamed to go anywhere. I was too ashamed to go to doctors, so putting it mildly, I didn’t care what happened to me,” said Bowen.
She shared that for most of her life she struggled with drug addiction, homelessness and unhealthy relationships.
Bowen said that changed when she was brought to Vivent.
“It’s in one building. Everything. Even the pharmacy, our food pantry, our doctor’s office and even the dentist,” she said.
Brandon Hill is Vivent Health‘s president and CEO. He said the organization offers help to anyone affected by HIV and AIDS, regardless of their ability to pay.
The organization relies on state and federal funding, along with private donations.
Hill said Vivent couldn’t provide care without supplemental funding. He estimated that every year the organization has to cover just over $5 million in uncovered care costs, in Wisconsin alone.
He said the comprehensive assistance, along with getting more people the medication they need, is key in preventing the spread of HIV.
“Here in Wisconsin, we are able to reach viral suppression rates of 95%, compared to the national average of 62%,” he said.
Bowen is a prime example of Vivent’s successful outcomes. After undergoing treatment, her HIV is now undetectable. She’s been sober for two years and has re-united with her family.