HARTFORD (September 24, 2025) – Every year on September 18th, National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day shines a light on the unique challenges faced by older adults living with HIV. With improved treatment and earlier diagnoses, many individuals are living longer, healthier lives. Today, more than half of people living with HIV in the United States are over the age of 50. This makes it more important than ever to focus on specialized care, stigma reduction, and supportive services that meet the needs of an aging population.
HIV Care in Hartford, CT
Hartford has one of the highest rates of HIV in Connecticut, with many individuals aging with the virus. Older adults living with HIV often face additional health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes, or dementia, alongside the challenges of managing HIV. Barriers such as stigma, isolation, and limited access to coordinated healthcare make local programs critical to improving outcomes.
Trinity Hill’s HIV Specialty Care Unit
At Trinity Hill Care Center in Hartford, we are proud to offer one of Connecticut’s only dedicated HIV Specialty Care Units. Our program is designed to address the complex medical, emotional, and social needs of residents living with HIV:
- Weekly clinical rounds by an Infectious Disease Physician and 24/7 on-call support
- Specialized antiviral and medication regimens with individualized oversight
- Mental health counseling weekly, plus group sessions on grief, coping, and recovery skills
- Onsite APRN services three times per week, alongside physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Dedicated social work support for discharge planning, housing, and wrap-around services
- Collaboration with partners like The Village for Families and Children and Money Follows the Person for continuity of care
- Nutritional counseling, wound care, I.V. therapy, and iRecovery substance use counseling integrated into the program
Our goal is to ensure that every resident has access not just to medical care, but to dignity, connection, and a path forward.
Community Partnership: HARP Program & Peer Support
Trinity Hill also partners with the Community Renewal Team’s HIV and AIDS Risk Program (HARP) in Hartford. As part of this partnership:
- CRT peer specialists are scheduled at Trinity Hill twice each week, providing on-site mentorship and support.
- They assist long-term residents in maintaining care and stability while also helping short-term residents prepare for safe, successful discharge.
- This includes hands-on assistance with applying for Ryan White Program funds and benefits available in Hartford, which can cover vital services such as medical care, medications, dental treatment, case management, and transportation for support in the community after discharge.
Fact: The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program currently serves more than 4,500 people each year in Connecticut, ensuring that uninsured or underinsured individuals can access lifesaving HIV care and medications.
Celebrating Awareness Together
On September 18th, Trinity Hill and CRT staff came together with residents to mark National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. The celebration included a community picnic, a lively game-show style activity, and fun giveaways. The event not only raised awareness, but also brought joy, connection, and a sense of solidarity to everyone who participated.
Why Awareness Matters
As the population of older adults with HIV continues to grow, recognition days like September 18th remind us of the ongoing need for:
- Compassionate, stigma-free care
- Specialized medical programs that address co-occurring conditions
- Community partnerships that expand access to resources and peer support
At Trinity Hill, we are honored to be part of Hartford’s response—providing comprehensive care, working with community partners, and recognizing the resilience of those aging with HIV.
