The 20^th annual Empowerment conference has been scheduled for Friday, October, 11, 2013 at the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center, located at 859 Convention Center Blvd.  This free educational conference, designed for consumers and providers, helps to bring the latest information on HIV/AIDS to our community.  Every year, Empowerment covers a wide variety of topics related to HIV and AIDS ranging from legal considerations, to medical, social and psychosocial aspects of the disease.

To find out more about the conference, please call Lisa Breland at 821-2601, ext. 209 or Major Smith at ext. 232.

As we are currently working out the details of this year’s conference, you can download last year’s conference brochure to get an idea of the types of sessions to expect.

In addition to Medicaid, Medicare and all Bayou Health Plans, NATF is a participating provider with the Greater New Orleans Community Health Connection (GNOCHC) as well as the following Commercial Insurance Carriers:

This list current as of:

If you don’t see your insurance provider listed, please inquire at the insurance & billing window during your next visit. New providers are added regularly.

Our Fees

We maintain an established fee schedule for all medical and mental health services provided. This fee schedule is reviewed annually to ensure that the fees are consistent with community standards.

Sliding Fee Scale

Our sliding fee scale offers significant discounts to individuals and families who qualify on the basis of limited income and / or family size.  Eligibility for this program must be renewed every six months.  Please contact our office for more information about the application process.  Please bring at least one of the following forms of documentation with you if you wish to apply:

• Your most recent tax form (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ)
• If you do not file taxes, a recent check stub(s) from your employer
• A summary of benefits letter from SSA, welfare, or social services agency

Clients with Insurance

Click here to see a list of accepted insurance  providers.

NATF will file primary insurance claims in all cases for patients with insurance, meaning:

• NATF sends the claim directly to your insurance company.
• Each insurance company has its own benefits plan and requirements.
• It is vital for you to understand exactly what your health-care insurance policies provide, including whether the company has a contract with NATF.
• You may contact our Patient Financial Service Department for information on service estimates at (504)821-2601 x222

Clients with Secondary Insurance

• You must provide NATF with copies of both sides of your secondary insurance cards.
• NATF will send a claim form to your secondary or supplemental insurance company.

More about Secondary Insurance
Coverage by secondary payers is generally based on what is owed after the primary insurance company has paid.

Contracted Fee Schedule

If NATF has a contract with the primary insurance company, NATF agrees to accept the contracted fee schedule. Under this agreement, your out-of-pocket costs normally will be less. You will be responsible for any copayments, coinsurance and deductible amounts as determined by your insurance company. The insurance company pays its portion of the total amount to NATF.

Insurance Payments sent directly to Clients

Insurance payments sent directly to you, whether from primary or secondary insurance companies, should be used to pay outstanding charges to NATF. Patients are financially responsible for all outstanding charges.

What to expect: The Billing Process

When you provide the name, address and policy number of your insurance company NATF will file your primary insurance claim for you. We suggest you track the following for services rendered: charges, co-pays, deductible, co-insurance, insurance payments and your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

In the weeks following your visit to NATF, the billing process occurs as follows:

• NATF will submit claims to your primary insurance company.
• You should receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company four to six weeks after the first claim is filed. The EOB will indicate services billed, amount paid and payee.
• If you do not hear from your insurance company within four to six weeks of your visit, you should follow up with them.
• If payment is mailed to NATF, the payment may be reflected on your NATF account.
• Additional charges and payments to your original statement will appear on your monthly statement as they are posted to your account.
• You should retain your statements to help you track charges, payments, adjustments and your balance.
• Remember, talk to your Case Manager about the options available to assist you with co-payments and deductibles.

The information provided is confidential and will assist the Office of Health Policy to provide quality HIV/AIDS services. This survey CANNOT be linked back to you in any way. Surveys will be collected between May 13 to July 12, 2013. Your feedback will play an important role in assessing and improving service delivery in the New Orleans EMA.

This survey is for any HIV-positive individual who receives care or services in the metro area from NO/AIDS or any other agency.

Further questions or concerns can be directed to Vatsana Chanthala at the Office of Health Policy & AIDS Funding at 504-658-2800. Thank you!

Click here to take the survey.

 Department: Prevention            

 Position reports to: Community Projects Manager  

 Date to be filled: Immediately       

 Position Description:

NO/AIDS Task Force’s Prevention Department is seeking a Community Specialist to assist in coordinating a gay/bisexual men’s group, as well as HIV counseling & testing, outreach and risk reduction activities.

JOB DUTIES

• Assist in coordinating young Gay/Bisexual men’s group based on Mpowerment intervention model (http://www.mpowerment.org) for gay/bi men age 18-35;
• Assist in implementing RESPECT HIV/STD Risk Reduction intervention (http://www.effectiveinterventions.org/en/HighImpactPrevention/Interventions/RESPECT.aspx)
• Community outreach to Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) community.
• HIV Counseling and Testing, including Enhanced HIV Counseling and Testing (http://www.effectiveinterventions.org)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work nontraditional hours, including some late nights and weekends.
• Must be able to work with diverse communities.
• Must be able to use the internet for evidence based searches.
• Must have knowledge on how to use and access online M4M websites and mobile M4M apps in order to promote and recruit eligible persons for programs.
• The successful candidate must have excellent writing skills, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to take initiative.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services/related field preferred.

To apply for this position, please fill out our online application for employment (preferred method) which allows you to upload a cover letter and resume at the end of the process.

You can also send your cover letter and resume with salary requirements via email to jobs@noaidstf.org or via postal mail to the below address:

Attn: Human Resources
NO/AIDS Task Force
2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500
New Orleans, LA 70119

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

JOB DUTIES 

•  Overall management of housing supports and services
• Conduct strength based assessment
• Develop, implement, monitor, evaluate and modify a person-centered housing support plan
• Make referrals to community-based services and work closely with other community service providers working with each tenant
• Assist in accessing and maintaining entitlements/benefits
• Advocate for needed services
• Assist tenants in meeting obligations of tenancy and assist tenants in problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Maintain assigned program records
• Assist other team members as needed

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or other human services area; MSW, LMSW or LCSW preferred
• Minimum of one year of experience in effective provision of direct services to eligible populations
• Desire to work with a diverse population
• Demonstrated respect for individuals
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Must have sound interviewing and assessment skills and the ability to work effectively with clients of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to schedule work production to meet timelines with attention to detail.
• Must have current driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of car insurance to travel throughout the community as required.
• Experience working with mentally ill clients, and those struggling with substance abuse, preferred
• Experience working with Medicaid, preferred

To apply for this position, please fill out our online application for employment (preferred method) which allows you to upload a cover letter and resume at the end of the process.

You can also send your cover letter and resume with salary requirements via email to jobs@noaidstf.org or via postal mail to the below address:

Attn: Human Resources
NO/AIDS Task Force
2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500
New Orleans, LA 70119

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Department: Prevention

Position reports to: Movement Project Coordinator

Date to be filled: Immediately

Position Description:

Prevention Department seeks Comprehensive Risk and Counseling Services (CRCS) Specialist to provide one-on-one counseling with young (age 13-29), African American MSM who are HIV+

JOB DUTIES:

• Provide one-on-one counseling with young (age 13-29), African American MSM who are HIV+, following CDC’s CRCS guidance and CDC Effective Behavioral Intervention CLEAR protocols (http://www.effectiveinterventions.org) , to help clients attain and/or maintain risk reduction behaviors
• Community outreach, including some late nights and weekends, to young African American MSM age 13-29
• HIV Counseling and Testing, including Enhanced HIV Counseling and Testing
• Work with NATF CTR Manager and Patient Navigator to help ensure clients who test confirmatory positive receive their confirmatory results and are linked to medical care and other services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:  

•  Experience working with HIV prevention and/or the young, African American gay/bi/MSM community preferred.
• Candidates should be part of or have significant knowledge of the young, African American, gay/bi/MSM community.
• Must be able to work nontraditional hours.
• Must be able to work with diverse communities.
• Must be able to use the internet for evidence based searches.
• Must have knowledge on how to use and access online M4M websites and mobile M4M apps in order to promote and recruit eligible persons for programs.
• The successful candidate must have excellent writing skills, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to take initiative.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services/related field required, Master’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred.

To apply for this position, please fill out our online application for employment (preferred method) which allows you to upload a cover letter and resume at the end of the process.

You can also send your cover letter and resume with salary requirements via email to jobs@noaidstf.org or via postal mail to the below address:

Attn: Human Resources
NO/AIDS Task Force
2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500
New Orleans, LA 70119

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

We’ve teamed up with everyone’s favorite purveyor of NOLA-themed garb, Dirty Coast Press, to throw one heckuva happy hour — and you’re invited!

Join us on Thursday, April 18th from 6 to 8 pm at Dirty Coast’s Warehouse District outpost at 329 Julia Street for some free beer, BBQ,  oysters and NOLA’s all-too-brief spring weather. Come ready to socialize and shop, especially since 20% of purchases made between 6 and 8 pm will benefit NO/AIDS! It’s the perfect time to stock up on some shirts, but if you need more convincing, we’ve got 5 great reasons why you should come out Thursday evening and do a little shopping.

1. Jazzfest is only a week away and nothing says “I’m a local” like a Dirty Coast t-shirt. It ensures you get service with a smile from vendors and that the people next to you at the Acura stage actually will save your spot while you run to get a cochon de lait po-boy and some beer.

2. Summer here lasts until October.  Despite the oppressive heat, most bars and restaurants, and businesses still require you to wear a shirt even in the dead heat of August.

3. If you are traveling this summer you’ll probably be meeting up with some out of town friends, possibly some NOLA ex-pats. Whether you are staying in their spare bedroom, or they just take you out for a nice dinner and drinks, a little token of thanks goes a long way – a Dirty Coast t-shirt makes a fun, thoughtful gift, and they don’t take up much space in your luggage!

4. We could all use a few extra karma points. Buying stuff at Dirty Coast this Thursday evening is a double coupon karma point opportunity. Not only will 20% of your purchase go to NO/AIDS, but it’s also a way to say thanks to the Dirty Coast folks for all the good they do in NOLA.

5. You can shop while drinking a beer with your friends and polishing off a dozen oysters and some jambalaya. Nuff said.

What: Beer, Bivalves & BBQ
When: Thursday, April 18, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Dirty Coast – Warehouse District; 329 Julia Street
Who: Dirty Coast Press & NO/AIDS Task Force
Why: See above
Cost: Free!

The Life Skills Series is being developed under the Permanent Supportive Housing Program in conjunction with Client Services at the NO/AIDS Task Force. PSH clients struggle with multiple challenges, ranging from mental and physical illness, substance abuse, and minimal education and job opportunities. The PSH Case Managers and Peer Support Specialists recognized a need among their clients, many of whom have experienced chronic homelessness, for basic life skills training and peer support.

Workshops are held weekly on Wednesday mornings at the NO/AIDS office in Mid-City. Topics include money management, health and wellness, effective communication skills, workplace etiquette, and more! . All NO/AIDS clients are welcome.

Classes are free and open to the public!  For more information contact Cynthia Mitchell at cynthiam@noaidstf.org or 821-2601 x 538

Upcoming Life Skills Workshops – May 2013

Wednesdays, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, 2601 Tulane Avenue, 2nd floor Conference Room

May 1^st = Sit Back & Relax Movie Day (Movie TBA)

May 8^th = A Visit from Job 1 Employment

May 15^th = Volunteering Opportunities

May 22^nd = A Visit from Goodwill Employment

May 29^th = A Visit from LA Rehabilitative Services

Sparks Will Literally Fly as Jimmy Descant, a.k.a. The Rocket Man and Rock Band DiNOLA  Pair Up to Create Instant Art
Event To Kickoff “Young@Art” New Orleans’ Newest Arts & Culture Event Series

NO/AIDS Task Force is proud to announce its newest initiative, Young@Art, New Orleans’ newest arts & culture event series, underwritten by Chevron. The series “blasts off” with an Instant Art Event at The Green Project Warehouse at 2831 Marais Street (map) on Saturday, March 23, from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.  Jimmy Descant, a.k.a. The Rocketman, will team up with local rock band DiNOLA to out-perform and out-create one another at this special event.

Memberships are $200 and include admission to all three quarterly events plus Patron-level admission to Art Against AIDS.  Additional member benefits include (4) free regular admissions to NOMA and select Green Project member benefits. Individual tickets for the Blast Off event are $25 and can also be purchased at the above link or at the door the night of the event, based on availability.

Scroll to the bottom of this post to purchase tickets or memberships.

  Jimmy Descant, aka The Rocketman, grew up in Chalmette, but lived most of his life in and around New Orleans. He got the name ‘Rocketman’ from his 15 years of showing his vacuum cleaner art at the Contemporary Art section of the Jazz Fest, exhibiting Buck Rogers type rocketships made from parts from the Golden Age Of Manufacturing found at thrifts stores, flea markets, and dumpster diving.

Over the past 3 years, Jimmy has honed his skills as an instantaneous assemblage artist, starting with building small sculptures right in front of audiences in 15 minutes, using their personal belongings and Jimmy’s found raw materials. Now he is a full-scale, live Instant Art performance/assemblage artist who builds art onstage with a band in a one to two hour show of massive action, rock ‘n roll, and art. All events are one of a kind, as well as the art created, which is always given or auctioned for charity. Jimmy says, “I wanted to severely connect with the pieces and parts of the debris of America in a completely pure inspirational moment, and get it out of me and onto a canvas of plywood in messages of peace and compassion.”

This marks only the third time this show of massive action, rock ‘n roll, and art has been seen in New Orleans.  Descant’s past Instant Art shows at The Ogden Museum Of Southern Art and Raphael Academy uptown in 2012 left the crowds wide eyed and jaw dropped in disbelief at what they just experienced; amazed but still wondering what they just saw! The piece created at the Instant Art Event on March 23^rd will be donated to NO/AIDS Task Force to auction off at Art Against AIDS, their annual art auction and holiday gala, to be held on December 7, 2013 at the New Orleans Museum of Art.

“We’re so excited that this amazing event will kick off, or more appropriately, “blast off” our Young@Art series, our newest community outreach program,” said Cheryl Grace, Director of Development at NO/AIDS Task Force. “Our first event is going to be representative of what we hope to achieve through Young@Art, which is to bring the community together to showcase the unique arts and culture of our city and region, but to do it in a really collaborative way that hasn’t been done before,” continued Ms. Grace. “This one event alone is not only combining music and sculpture, but we’re partnering with The Green Project to host the event and we’re inviting local food trucks to provide the food.”

 Purchase Individual tickets to the Blast Off Event Today!