This is Healthcare

Matthew 25 began as a parish nurse project in 1996 through Zion United Church of Christ in Henderson. “We had four individuals within the congregation who were dying from AIDS, and they had absolutely no support,” Cyndee Burton, Matthew 25 Administrator recalls. “I was a parish nurse, so I helped train others on how to care for them, and we got together some care teams that would help provide the love and care these individuals needed in order to pass away with dignity and peace.”

In 1999, Matthew 25 separated from the church into a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization so they could apply for government funding to enlarge the services offered and provide a full-time paid staff. The first grant they received was the Ryan White Planning Grant in 2000 to evaluate the need for clinical services in the area. They also received a Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) grant to assist with housing needs, and in 2001 they were awarded a Ryan White Part C Grant for Early Intervention Services to open their medical clinic in Henderson. Their mission is to support, educate, and treat those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

“Support is the key aspect of treatment for those with HIV/AIDS,” Cyndee explains. “Many people lose everything when discovering infection. They lose friends, family, jobs, and sometimes even housing. We exist to provide support in every aspect possible.”

Get Tested

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone is tested at least once in their life. Those with high-risk behaviors should be tested more often. Free testing is available at the clinic (452 Old Corydon Road) Monday through Friday and according to Cyndee, only takes 20 minutes to receive results. During the testing, there is a risk assessment and a finger prick. If the results are positive, an appointment to see the nurse practitioner will be made and medication treatment will follow. “AIDS is no longer the death sentence it used to be,” Cyndee says. “If we can retain them in care and keep them taking their medications regularly, then we can suppress the virus to undetectable levels. Once we reach undetectable levels, then they can’t infect others. So, we try really hard to remove any barriers that might prevent them from taking their medications. We do a good job with a 95 percent success rate, but it takes a whole team of focused people to accomplish it.”

Services and Support

Housing program advisors, mental health counselors, nurse practitioners, and volunteers all work together onsite to make sure each patient has what they need to suppress the virus successfully. Staff and volunteers take turns providing transportation for those who need it, and the new addition offers space for social events, support group meetings, a fully stocked food pantry, and a complete kitchen. Numerous offices and exam rooms are available for comprehensive care. Matthew 25 has its own lab to draw from and send out to an outside laboratory. They have electronic health records, and they can even help individuals get the insurance they may need.

“Each patient is unique, and they each have to be treated as an individual,” Cyndee states. “If they have literacy problems, then we try to help with that. If they don’t speak English, then we provide an interpreter. If they are drug users, we provide substance abuse classes. If they have mental health issues, we provide care for that as well. We offer care that will not be found anywhere else. I just really have a passion for this group of people, and we want them to feel comfortable and loved. We want them to know we are here for them.”

Education and Prevention

Education, awareness, and prevention of the disease are only possible with community involvement. Matthew 25 attends health-related events to get the word out and be seen in the community. “We are not here to judge,” Cyndee adds. “This is about health care, and we are trying to do what we can to prevent the spread of this disease.”

Cyndee stresses the importance of having a cautious and safe life. “Up-to-date information is readily available at several places around the community,” Cyndee says. “Prevention is everything when it comes to dealing with this epidemic, and everyone has to live a cautious and safe life to prevent it.”

Ways to Help

Matthew 25 will hold their open house and ribbon cutting ceremony on December 1, which is World AIDS Day. Six panels will be on display from the AIDS memorial quilt, the largest art project in the United States. Each panel was created to remember and honor someone who has passed from AIDS. They will also read the names of those who have passed.

Also, stay tuned for the date of the upcoming Runway Red Fashion Show in the spring where volunteers become models and boutique stores become designers. Please contact Matthew25clinic.org to donate or volunteer.