The Public Health Department collaborates with local organizations to provide a range of HIV/AIDS care and prevention programs. The Public Health Department’s Health Care Centers in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria provide medical care to people with HIV/AIDS. Community agencies provide HIV-related education, testing, case management, and assistance with housing, food, and other basic needs. Services are available in Spanish and English. More information on any of these services is available by calling (805) 346-8276. Also see the HIV Resource Manual (PDF): [ English ] [ Español ]
Comprehensive health care for individuals living with HIV and AIDS is available through the Public Health Department’s Health Care Centers in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, and through collaborating health care providers. Services include medical and dental care, medical case management, medication management, and referrals for specialty care and other needed services.
For clients who do not have private or other medical insurance, financial assistance may be available for HIV care and treatment. Clients may receive financial assistance with their medical services through Medicare, Medi-Cal, or the Ryan White Act. Additional assistance may be available through the County’s Medically Indigent Adult (MIA) program for those who do not qualify for other support. Prescription drug expenses may be covered through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).
Housing, Food & Other Support
Various types of housing assistance are available for eligible people with HIV/AIDS. Hospice services and intensive residential care are provided through AIDS Housing Santa Barbara (805) 563-9990. Temporary rent and utility assistance are available through Pacific Pride Foundation (805) 963-3636. Food, personal hygiene items, and transportation assistance are available for qualifying individuals through the Necessities of Life Program at Pacific Pride Foundation in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
Testing, Counseling & Education
HIV testing is provided through a variety of area clinics and agencies, including Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, Pacific Pride Foundation, Planned Parenthood, the County Health Care Centers (for established patients), as well as private doctors. Most sites offer sliding scale fee discounts and in some locations HIV testing is available free of charge. For more information about HIV testing click here for a current list of testing sites, days and times in Santa Barbara County.
Counseling, psychiatric, and substance abuse referrals are available through the Public Health Centers, Pacific Pride Foundation, and Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. Assistance with family and partner notification of HIV status is also available through these agencies.
HIV outreach, education, and training are available through Pacific Pride Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
Syringe Exchange Program and Nonprescription Syringe Sales
The Syringe Exchange Program (The Right Outfit) operated by the Pacific Pride Foundation provides free sterile syringes in exchange for used syringes at their Santa Barbara and Santa Maria sites. The program also provides materials and support to those who are dealing with substance dependency. For information on program days and times call (805) 963-3636 or visit .
As part of statewide efforts to reduce the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C and other blood-borne pathogens among injection drug users, the sale of syringes without a prescription is now permitted in California. An adult may purchase up to 30 syringes at a time from a licensed pharmacy. For a list of pharmacies that offer nonprescription syringe sales in Santa Barbara County click here.
Community Involvement/HIV Prevention and Care Council
Local HIV/AIDS prevention and care strategies are developed through a community planning committee known as the HIV Prevention and Care Council (HPCC). The HPCC is made up of representatives from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, non-profit agencies, service providers, and community members.
HPCC meetings are open to the public and people infected with or affected by HIV are encouraged to attend. The HPCC meets quarterly in Santa Barbara on the 2nd Wednesdays in January, April, July and October at the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department located at 300 North San Antonio Road from 12-1:30pm.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the HPCC call (805) 346-8433. Copies of meeting minutes and agendas are available upon request.
Surveillance and Required Reporting
State regulations require the Public Health Department to collect and report information on HIV and AIDS cases in Santa Barbara County. Funds for local prevention, medical treatment and other services are based on the number of cases reported within a county.
Pediatric HIV/AIDS Confidential Case Report (PDF)
Quick Reference Guide—Laboratory Testing for the Diagnosis of HIV Infection: Updated Recommendations (PDF)
The Public Health Department prepares annual reports on the number of characteristics of HIV and AIDS cases in Santa Barbara County. These reports can be found on the Epidemiology Data & Reports webpage.
The Public Health Department provides information and referrals regarding HIV/AIDS prevention treatment and services. The following documents are available for your review:
HIV Resource Manual (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF)
HIV/AIDS Prevention Facts Sheet (PDF)