Our Programs
Sunburst Projects is here to help those living with HIV/AIDS access medical care and social services, receive mental health counseling and support, help youth infected and affected by HIV, and provide HIV education and prevention. Take a look at the programs we offer and call our office if you or someone you know needs our help. Call (916) 440-0889 or email us at admin@sunburstprojects.org.
Eligibility Requirement for HIV Services
Referral Form File:
Sunburst Projects General ROI & Referral Form For Outside Organizations
Eligibility for enrollment for any HIV Service at Sunburst Projects must be verified at the initial intake appointment. These services include Medical Case Management, Non-Medical Case Management, Mental Health Services including Support Groups, Transportation Assistance, Food Voucher Assistance, ADAP Services, 340B Pharmacy Services, Childcare Payment Assistance, Emergency Financial Assistance and all HOPWA Services (Rent, Mortgage and Utility Payments) must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Proof of HIV-positive Status
At the first certification, clients must provide proof of HIV-positive status. This must consist of at least one of the following:
- HIV positive lab results (antibody test, qualitative HIV detection test, or detectable viral load). Lab results with undetectable viral loads that do not indicate a positive HIV diagnosis will not be accepted during initial enrollment as proof of positive HIV diagnosis.
- Letter from the client’s physician or licensed health care provider. Acceptable letters of diagnosis must be on the physician’s or health care provider’s letterhead with the National Provider Identifier (NPI) number or California license number, and the physician’s or a licensed health care provider’s signature verifying the client’s HIV status.
- California Department of Public Health Diagnosis Form (CDPH Form 8440) completed and signed by the client’s physician or licensed health care provider. Any diagnosis form that contains pertinent information is also allowed.
2. Proof of Residence
Individuals eligible for HIV services at Sunburst Projects must reside in Sacramento County. Acceptable residency verification consists of the client’s name and address on one of the following:
• Current utility bill
• Current rental or lease agreement
• Official documents, such as a voter registration card, MediCal beneficiary letter, recent school records, property tax receipt, unemployment document, etc.
• California driver’s license or California Identity Card
• Letter from a shelter, social service agency, or clinic verifying individuals’ identity, length of residency, and location designated as their residence. The letter must be on letterhead and signed by a staff person affiliated with the service agency or clinic
• If no other methods of verification are possible, letter, form, or affidavit is signed and dated by the client that indicates they are homeless with no connection to any other service provider. In this situation, a referral to assist the client in securing shelter or housing should be a priority.
*Mental Health Services may be provided to residents of El Dorado, Placer and Yolo Counties if no HIV Mental Health Services are available. Please call Sunburst Projects Main Line at 916-440-0889 for more information.
3. Income
Clients must provide documentation of all forms of income and meet the income requirements. Currently, HSC § 120960 defines income eligibility as clients with modified adjusted gross income which does not exceed 500 percent of the federal poverty level per year based on family size and household income. Acceptable income verification includes one of the following:
• One pay stub from within the last 6 months
• 1040 Form or W-2 from the previous year
• Signed and dated letter from a source of earned income, including the client’s name, rate, and frequency of pay
• One bank statement showing income from applicable source(s) (i.e. through direct deposit)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) letter, or dated screenshots of client benefit program
• Document confirming other government assistance (e.g., Medi-Cal military/veteran pension benefits, unemployment benefits, child support payments)
• Investment statement showing interest earned
• Letter of support signed and dated by an individual providing financial and other living support (food, clothing, and/or shelter) to the client
• If no other methods of verification are possible, a letter, form, or affidavit signed and dated by the client that indicates zero income or attests to earned income not otherwise confirmed by the above.
4. Proof of Insurance Status
Clients seeking any HIV services from Sunburst Project’s must provide documentation of their health insurance status. Acceptable verification includes one of the following:
• Copy of current insurance card, including Medi-Cal Beneficiary Identification
• Card (BIC), if applicable
• Dated screenshots of the insurance status verification using an official insurance screening system
• Denial letter from Medi-Cal
• Tax statement documenting no insurance, per ACA requirements
• Statement signed and dated indicating not covered by insurance. If employed by an employer who doesn’t offer employer-sponsored health insurance, the statement must include the reason the employer does not provide insurance.
*If you do not have insurance, Sunburst Projects case managers can assist you in obtaining health insurance.
Self-Referral
If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements for HIV services at Sunburst Projects and wish to self-report, please call the main line at 916-440-0889 to schedule an intake appointment with a case manager
Provider Referrals
If you are a provider at another organization and wish to refer a client to Sunburst Projects for HIV Services, please download the ROI/Referral form, complete the form, and have the client sign the ROI statement before faxing the form to 916-440-1208. Please include the latest copy of the clients labs, if applicable.
Referral PDF File:
Sunburst Projects General ROI & Referral Form For Outside Organizations
Medical Case Management
Medical Case Management encompasses a wide range of services that focus on improving clients’ health outcomes. Our central goal is to promote and support clients’ engagement in medical care; to do so, case managers address clients’ psychosocial needs, reduce barriers to care, and conduct activities including:
Healthcare coordination and access. Case managers help with scheduling and coordinating various medical appointments, coordinating transportation to medical appointments, facilitating use of translators for non-English speaking clients, and accompanying clients to appointments, if they wish, to serve as an advocate.
Treatment adherence counseling. The purpose of treatment adherence counseling is to ensure that clients are ready for and adhere to HIV treatment. This includes monitoring regularly scheduled lab work, assisting clients in developing treatment adherence strategies, and participation in the 340B Pharmacy Program.
Benefits counseling. Staff assist clients in accessing public and private programs for which they are eligible, such as Medi-Cal, AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP), Disability Insurance, Social Security, pharmaceutical manufacturers’ patient assistance programs, Covered California, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and other health and social services.
340b Pharmacy Program
The 340B Pharmacy Program is a federal drug pricing program that provides outpatient drugs to entities such as Sunburst at significantly reduced prices. Our pharmacy program allows for direct and confidential mailing of medication to the client’s home, automatic refills, and access to Sunburst Project’s professionally trained pharmacy manager regarding any concerns and questions about medications.
Mental Health Services
Sunburst Projects has a long history of providing mental health support to diverse clientele. Using an integrated care approach, we offer professional counseling, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, and family therapy, and secondarily offer ongoing support groups. Services are provided in English and Spanish to individuals, couples, children and adolescents.
The following supports are offered to current Sunburst Project’s Clients:
Comfort in Company
A 5 week grief support group for people living with HIV that have lost loved ones.
Black Men’s Group
A support group for black men living with HIV.
Together We’ve Got This
A group for addiction, mental health, living with HIV, and BINGO every first Tuesday of the month.
Nosotros
Un grupo de apoyo para la comunidad Hispania que vive con VIH.
(A support group for the Hispanic community that is living with HIV.)
Freedom From Smoking
A 7-week (8 classes) course designed to help you quit nicotine use.
DBT Group
Develop skills of distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
Women’s Group
A support group for all women living with HIV.
Social Support Services
Our staff assists clients in accessing public and private programs for which they are eligible, such as Medi-Cal, AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP), Disability Insurance, Social Security, pharmaceutical manufacturers’ patient assistance programs, Covered California, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and other health and social services.
Our Social support services also include:
- Rent and utilities assistance
- Food vouchers
- Transportation vouchers
- Prescription eyewear
- Prescription drug assistance
- Clothing Closet
- Essential needs assistance
Childcare Services:
Our childcare services assist HIV positive families with dependent children to attend medical appointments, deal with medical emergencies, attend support groups, mental health appointments and help parents when a health issue incapacitates family functioning. We provide monthly childcare vouchers that enable families to utilize a childcare provider of their choice, up to a set number of hours.
Youth Programs
Camp Sunburst: A Life-Changing Summer Experience
Camp Sunburst is at the very heart of Sunburst Projects and has served youth living with HIV/AIDS since 1988. At Camp Sunburst, children and adolescents are supported and encouraged by a fantastic team of caring volunteers, many of whom were campers themselves when they were young. Sunburst’s approach relies on individual and community participation, ultimately preparing and empowering youth and teens to become effective community leaders. Youth learn that they have the potential to change negative social patterns of behavior and break cycles of HIV infection.
Our residential summer camp includes outdoor activities, guided courses down the American River white-water rapids, swimming, art, dance, and sports. The camp program provides specialized elements that address issues around medication adherence, disclosure, sexual and reproductive health, stigma, stress reduction, and life skills.
This year, Camp Sunburst will be held the week of July 21, 2025. We are proud to produce Camp Sunburst in partnership with Healing Waters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing individuals with transformative experiences in nature. As part of this partnership, campers will have the opportunity to embark on a guided adventure down the American River, experiencing the thrill of white-water rafting while building confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
Camp Sunburst continues to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where youth living with HIV/AIDS can connect, grow, and thrive. Camp is available to any youth residing in Northern California who is infected or affected by HIV.
For more information, please call 916-440-0889.
Golden Services: Thriving in Every Chapter of Life
Sunburst Projects proudly offers Golden Services, a specialized program designed to support seniors (over 55 years old) living long-term with HIV as they enter their golden years. This compassionate initiative provides comprehensive medical case management and wrap-around support tailored to the unique needs of older adults—empowering them to live healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives.
As the first generation to age with HIV, many of our senior clients face challenges that extend beyond medical care, including isolation, stigma, mobility concerns, and complex health needs. Golden Services ensures that every individual receives coordinated care that integrates medical, mental health, nutritional, housing, and social support—all delivered with dignity, cultural sensitivity, and respect.
From navigating healthcare systems and medication management to connecting with peer support, community resources, and transportation assistance, our team helps clients thrive—not just survive—through every stage of aging with HIV.
At Sunburst Projects, we believe that every person deserves to live their golden years with stability, compassion, and joy. Golden Services is here to make that vision a reality.
As part of your enrollment in this program, clients will be assigned to a case manager who is living in their golden years. With two dedicated case managers who are age 55 and older and who have specialized in HIV medical case management for more than 15+ years, they bring a unique perspective and have first-hand knowledge of the needs of our seniors aging with HIV.
Specialty Services through Golden Services
Our Golden Services program offers comprehensive, wrap-around support tailored to the unique needs of older adults living long-term with HIV. Each service is designed to promote independence, health, and connection throughout the aging journey.
Our specialized services include:
- Medical Case Management – Personalized care coordination to ensure clients stay engaged in treatment and connected to essential healthcare providers.
- Referral Services – Direct connections to trusted community resources, including mental health counseling, dental care, nutrition programs, and senior support networks.
- Housing Navigation – Assistance in finding and maintaining safe, affordable, and stable housing options that meet the needs of aging adults.
- Social Security & Disability Program Navigation – Hands-on support with applications, renewals, and benefits management to ensure continued access to income and healthcare.
- Transportation Support – One-on-one, door-to-door transportation provided by your case manager to medical appointments, social support services, and community activities.
- Medication & Treatment Adherence Support – Ongoing guidance to manage complex treatment plans, prescriptions, and medication schedules.
- Nutritional & Wellness Support – Access to food programs, wellness education, and resources that promote overall health and vitality.
- Social & Peer Connection Opportunities – Activities and events designed to reduce isolation, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.
- End-of-Life Planning & Advocacy – Compassionate guidance and referrals for clients and families to plan for long-term stability and peace of mind
To enroll in this program, you must be an active client of Sunburst Project Medical Case Management program. Please speak to your Sunburst Projects Case Manager to enroll.
AIDS Drug Assistant Program
At Sunburst Projects we know that getting access to HIV medications is the single most important thing that keeps our clients healthy and thriving. As a certified ADAP enrollment site, we offer anyone who qualifies for the program assistance with enrollment, yearly re-enrollment and yearly re-certifications for the ADAP program. Michael Jentes, our certified ADAP Enrollment worker, offers hassle-free appointments with no waiting. Michael can also arrange for transportation to our office. Call (916) 440-0889, or email michael@sunburstprojects.org today.
Education and Prevention
Sunburst Projects is working to establish an HIV testing program within our office. This program will include peer navigators and community education and outreach. Our free “Lunch and Learns” are held periodically within the community throughout the year and provide information on PrEP, sexual health, HIV prevention, testing, and HIV treatment therapies.
For free walk-in, confidential, HIV testing and low cost STD testing visit Sunburst Clinic.