Name: Tacy Slater, M.S.W.
Title: Social worker, patient services coordinator, coordinator for Parts C & D for Ryan White Program
Hometown: Falls City, Neb.
Talk about your job and what you like best about it:
My interest in HIV began as a student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1989, when a woman living with HIV was invited to speak to our health education class. Her story encouraged me to research and seek additional HIV education. Greater knowledge and a better understanding sparked my interest to get involved, initially as a trained volunteer, next as an undergraduate social work practicum student, and a few years later, as a case manager with the Nebraska AIDS Project.
The opportunity to further my professional development and HIV advocacy presented itself in 1999 when Susan Swindells, MBBS, HIV Clinic medical director, hired me to work with the HIV team. My nearly 19 years as a member of a medical interdisciplinary team has provided multiple opportunities. My role as a patient services coordinator involves assessing the diverse needs and assisting with identifying, navigating and accessing resources for persons living with HIV.
Many of our patients run into a variety of barriers. They are unsure where to turn, who they can trust. They may be dealing with food insecurity, unstable shelter, lack of transportation, fear of discrimination and stigma. Many are uninsured and therefore unable to afford the cost of their medical care and medications.
An HIV diagnosis can be devastating. Often the individual feels alone and afraid to tell anyone for fear of rejection. Offering a listening ear, providing education and empowering the individual can make a difference when engaging and retaining the patient in medical care. Our patients often think of the HIV team as more than their medical care providers, but as family with whom they can be honest, feel accepted and have a sense of hope.
Advocating on behalf of our patients is rewarding but can be challenging when attempting to navigate complicated systems. Balance is key in my position. My administrative role as a coordinator for the Ryan White Program allows for such balance.
UNMC was initially awarded Ryan White federal funding in 1999. Our Ryan White Programs have many years of experience in health care delivery and we are experienced with the administration of federal funds. The Ryan White Programs assist the Specialty Care Center patients with access to HIV testing, outpatient medical care, medications, medical insurance, medical and non-medical case management services, oral health care, mental health care, behavioral health services, medical transportation, among other support services.
Without the Ryan White Program funding, the providers and support staff, the majority of our patients would not have access to the services and support needed to improve their health and overall well-being.
I am honored to be an HIV team member and to work with such incredible team members and patients.
List three things people may not know about you:
- I want to learn how to play the violin.
- I would enjoy meeting Ellen DeGeneres.
- I run to relax.