HIV Care

Who We Are

Northern Nevada HOPES has been providing HIV care to Northern Nevada since 1997. Integrated care is provided focusing on the medical, behavioral health, social and emotional needs of each patient. We are a team of dedicated and skilled professionals committed to working with individuals, couples and families to improve the health and quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS.

If you’re living with HIV, or think you might be, we’ve got everything you need to take the best possible care of your health. Our broad range of HIV services including:

  • Drop-in and confidential testing for HIV/Hep C at Change Point.
  • HIV medical care.
  • Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Screening and Treatment.
  • Psychiatric assessment and treatment.
  • Group therapy
  • Nutritional therapy and education.
  • Medical and non-medical case management.
  • Treatment adherence counseling.
  • Medication delivery.*
  • Medical transportation.*
  • Support groups.
  • Group therapy.
  • Housing assistance.*
  • An on-site laboratory and pharmacy.
  • Emergency financial assistance for medical and utilities.*
  • Translation Services
  • Referrals to specialty care.
    *Additional eligibility or exclusions may apply.

Establishing HIV Care at HOPES

If you are newly diagnosed with HIV or relocating to the area and want to establish HIV care, please call or email our Intake Team at 775-997-7506 or specialtycare@nnhopes.org . Our team will reach out to you within 48 hours to schedule an intake appointment.

New Patient Intake Process

At your intake appointment, it is helpful if you bring specific documents to help us assess eligibility for programs, including our Ryan White Program.

The Ryan White Program is a nationwide program that assists HIV/AIDS patients and their families with a variety of services. The Program works with cities, states and local community-based organizations to provide HIV-related services to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.

Documents to assess Ryan White eligibility include*:

  • Proof of HIV Status
  • Proof of Nevada Residency – This may include rental agreements, utility bills, birth certificates, a green card with social security number or other official correspondence that has the same address as the picture identification.
  • Proof of Income – This may include paycheck stubs, disability award letter, or other official document stating monthly income.
  • Proof of Insurance (If available)

* If you do not have these documents readily available, your case manager will work with you to get documentation.

You will  meet with our medical team after your intake appointment. Our HIV providers like to see our patients every 4-6 months. During your medical visits, you will have access to Behavioral Health, Case Management services, and more.

We accept most major health plans and also offer a sliding scale fee for all services. We provide services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.

In addition, we are funded (in part) by grants from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program and the State of Nevada, Office of HIV/AIDS.

HIV Providers

At HOPES, your treatment is led by a medical provider with expertise in HIV care. Our entire team is available to support you and link you to resources and programs at HOPES and in the community.

Charles Krasner, MD

Charles Krasner, MD

Maria Gorgona, MD

Maria Gorgona, MD

Jasmine Dhindsa, MD

Jasmine Dhindsa, MD

Ivy Spadone, PA-C

Victoria “Tori” Skocdopole, APRN, NP-C

HOPES Support Staff

Our support staff are available to link and navigate you to available resources at HOPES and in the community. You can reach a member of our team at (775) 997-7506. Or if you know the specific staff you are trying to reach, refer to the contact information below.

Ryan White Case Managers

 

Yajaira R. 
yrios@nnhopes.org

 

Rachel C. 
rcontreras@nnhopes.org

 

Marcela F. 
Retention In Care Case Manager
mfejer@nnhopes.org

 

Andres S. 
Case Management Services Coordinator
asanchez@nnhopes.org

Ryan White Housing Case Managers

Martha R. 
mramirez@nnhopes.org

Lorena L.
Case Management Services Coordinator- Housing
llemus@nnhopes.org

Medical Case Management Staff

Connie E.
cewing@nnhopes.org

Alex A., RN
aangelo@nnhopes.org

PrEP/PEP For HIV

What is PrEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is when people at very high risk for HIV take HIV medicines daily to lower their chances of getting infected. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed, but it is much less effective when not taken consistently.

Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70%. Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.

More information on PrEP.

What is PEP?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected.

PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles and works to prepare drugs or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away.

More information on PEP.

HIV Resources

years without HIV medicine

HIV.gov Twitter Card

What is PrEP?

HIV Resources for Providers

AIDS education & Training Centers

National Clinician Consultation Center