Federal legislation created to address the unmet health care and service needs of people living with HIV Disease (PLWH) disease and their families. It was enacted in 1990 and reauthorized in 1996 and 2000.

A system of care that links clients with health care, psychosocial and other supportive services through on-going assessments of the client and/or family's needs. These community-based programs seek to increase client independence and self-sufficiency so clients can access services in a timely manner. The programs also promote coordination among service providers to minimize the duplication of resources.

An organization that provides services to locally defined populations, which may or may not include populations infected with or affected by HIV disease.

The number of T-helper lymphocytes per cubic millimeter of blood. The CD4 count is a good predictor of immunity. As CD4 cell count declines, the risk of developing opportunistic infections increases. The normal adult range for CD4 cell counts is 500 to 1,500 per cubic millimeter of blood. (The normal range for infants is considerably higher and slowly declines to adult values by age 6 years.) CD4 counts should be rechecked at least every 6 to 12 months if CD4 counts are greater than 500/mm3. If the count is lower, testing every 3 months is advised. (In children with HIV infection, CD4 values should be checked every 3 months.) A CD4 count of 200 or less is an AIDS-defining condition.

Also known as "helper" T-cells, these cells are responsible for coordinating much of the immune response. HIV's preferred targets are cells that have a docking molecule called "cluster designation 4" (CD4) on their surfaces. Cells with this molecule are known as CD4-positive (CD4+) cells. Destruction of CD4+ lymphocytes is the major cause of the immunodeficiency observed in AIDS, and decreasing CD4 levels appear to be the best indicator for developing opportunistic infections.

Federal agency within HHS that administers disease prevention programs including HIV/AIDS prevention.

A disease or condition, such as mental illness or substance abuse, co-existing with HIV disease.

A regional or statewide planning entity established by many State grantees under Title II of the CARE Act to plan and sometimes administer Title II services. An association of health care and support service agencies serving PLWH under Title II of the CARE Act.

An approach that helps communities plan for and provide a full range of emergency and long-term service resources to address the various needs of PLWH.