Special delivery: when the pills "absolutely, positively" can't be delivered at home

Abstract

The practice of storing and dispensing medications by providers at an inner city neighborhood health center that serves predominantly ethnic minority clients was terminated due to accreditation regulations. This practice promoted adherence since many clients did not want to receive medications by mail at home due to confidentiality concerns or were unwilling to present to their local pharmacy due to fear of discrimination related to HIV status. The purpose of this paper is to describe an alternative means to access HIV medications in a safe and supportive environment for clients confronted with cultural and social barriers through a unique collaboration between an HIV specialty care program and HIV specialty pharmacy.