Five Horizons Health Services Provides HIV Prevention in West Alabama & East Mississippi with 340B
The 340B Program allows the rural healthcare facility to provide high-quality, patient-centered medical, dental, prevention, behavioral health, testing, and case management services.
by Shey Thorn, MPH, Chief of Staff, Five Horizons Health Services
October 2023
Five Horizons Health Services (FHHS) is a nonprofit community-based organization that provides services across the Blackbelt of Alabama and East Mississippi. Founded in 1988 as West Alabama AIDS Outreach (WAAO), the agency’s original mission was to provide HIV-related outreach and prevention services to West Alabama. Since then, the agency has expanded to include a variety of services for populations in need of specialized or general care. FHHS strives to provide high-quality, patient-centered medical, dental, prevention, behavioral health, testing, and case management services. With a team of highly qualified staff, a diverse board of directors, and community partners, Five Horizons is positioned to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of citizens across the Alabama Blackbelt and East Mississippi. Five Horizons Northern Region consists of Tuscaloosa and Starkville, and the Southern Region consists of Montgomery, Dothan, and Selma.
FHHS is presented with a unique opportunity to deliver essential HIV treatment and prevention services to a community profoundly affected by the HIV epidemic in our nation. The Black Belt region in rural Alabama is characterized by a majority of its population living in impoverished conditions with limited access to quality healthcare. Thanks to the 340B program, FHHS can effectively break down barriers in this community, directly addressing healthcare disparities.
Rural Communities Need 340B
Through initiatives like telemedicine, transportation support, and financial assistance for medications and office visits, FHHS leverages the power of the 340B program to enhance positive health outcomes for its clients. The 340B program serves as the backbone of our healthcare system, directly catering to the needs of providers working with underserved communities. Without the 340B program, FHHS could not offer the quality healthcare services these communities desperately need.
