Our Game Plan
Gospel
We were formed and founded upon the work and words of Jesus.
It is Jesus who calls on us to care for the sick (Matt. 25: 31-45) and to reach out to those shunned and disenfranchised of our community. Jesus demands that we love each other. (John 15:12)
Work to End HIV/AIDS
A Model to End HIV/AIDS has been developed and is being used across this country in the hopes of ending this epidemic. Here are the 3 prongs as outlined by the New York Department of Public Health in their Blueprint to END AIDS.
1. Identify persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and link them to health care.
2. Link and retain persons diagnosed with HIV to health care and provide anti-HIV therapy to maximize HIV viral suppression, maintain good health, and prevent further transmission.
3. Facilitate access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to help vulnerable persons and to keep them HIV-negative.
Impact the Opioid Epidemic
Since mid-2013, Samaritan Ministry has worked with our secular partners to search for ways to address the opioid crisis in our region of the country. This journey usually means that we are the only “faith partner” at the table, but our presence and the presence of Christ, is important.
We engage with the Tennessee Department of Health to address the Hepatitis C epidemic, especially in the Appalachian region. This partnership includes HCV training and testing.
We actively support Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) across Tennessee. Research shows many benefits for individuals and communities when safe, clean equipment is available for those misusing drugs.
If you or someone you know needs help with drug or alcohol addiction, call the Tennessee Redline at 1-800-889-9789. The Tennessee Redline provides up-to-date addiction information and referrals for Tennessee residents. Outside of Tennessee, use the National Treatment Referral Routing Service – 1-800-662 HELP (4357).
Engage with Others
Samaritan Ministry is committed to providing support, encouragement, and advocacy locally, in Tennessee, and across America. The faith community must be a partner in ending this epidemic.
Get PrEP
PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is the use of medication to prevent acquiring HIV when exposed. Introduced in 2012, PrEP is an HIV prevention strategy that WORKS. Currently there are several different medications available for HIV prevention. These medications can prevent transmission of HIV from between 96 and 99%.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Central Baptist Church of Bearden
Broadway CARES/Equity Fights AIDS
Cedar Springs Presbyterian
Central Baptist Fountain City
The City of Knoxville
East Tennessee AIDS Fund
The McNabb Center
Knox County Health Department
Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Tennessee Department of Correction
The Tennessee Department of Health
West Knox Cooperative Food Pantry (FISH)
Get Tested
Samaritan Ministry administers HIV testing by appointment. We use the OraQuick Rapid HIV test, manufactured by OraSure Technologies, a proven, effective choice for accurate results in twenty minutes. Testing is always free and confidential. Contact us for more information.
There are other places in our area to get tested for HIV, including:
The McNabb Center: (865) 329-9023
Knox County Health Department: (865) 215-5370
Positively Living/Choice Health Network: (865) 525-1540
Cherokee Health Systems: 1-866-231-4477
If you are not living in the Knoxville area, use this Zip Code HIV Testing Locator.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis C (HCV) antibody testing is also available by appointment. A positive HCV test must be followed with a blood test to confirm the presence of viral RNA. This can usually be done at your local county health department.
The only way to know for sure whether you have HCV is to get tested. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HCV at least once as part of routine health care.
Samaritan Ministry
6300 Deane Hill Dr.
Knoxville, Tennessee 37919
(865) 450-1000 ext. 827
Socialize