Maternal Child (HIV Program)
Named a Pediatric Center of Excellence in 2003, the Maternal Child Adolescent Treatment Services (MCATS) provides medical and support services to HIV exposed and infected infants, children, and adolescents through the age of 21 years.
Through the Department of Pediatrics, the family centered care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team consisting of pediatric HIV specialist physicians, adolescent pediatricians, registered nurses, social workers, case managers, child life specialists, dieticians, neuropsychologists, and child psychiatrists. Medical care is closely coordinated with each patient's primary medical provider to promote physical and emotional health.
Support services available include adherence assistance, nutritional assessments and guidance, mental health assessments and counseling, developmental/cognitive assessments, GYN screening, assistance with developmental issues and to maximize coping skills, group educational and support activities.
Consumers are encouraged to be involved through the Pediatric Family Care Committee and Teen Advisory Board. For adolescents there are activities to assist with the process of transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare, as well as gaining independence in all aspects of becoming an adult.
In coordination with the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and adult AIDS Program, HIV positive pregnant women are offered prenatal care, HIV care and education to reduce the risk of perinatal HIV transmission. MCATS staff are also available to non-AMC OB providers and pregnant women to provide education on care of the HIV exposed newborn.
