Children's Hospital Colorado

About the Children’s Hospital Immunodeficiency Program (CHIP)

Our Program provides services for infants, children, teens, young adults and pregnant women living with or affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care that helps with medical, social, psychological and developmental needs.

CHIP contributes to leading research and provides clinical trial sites for research networks such as the International Maternal, Adolescent and Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT), Pediatric HIV and AIDS Cohort Studies (PHACS) and the Adolescent Trials Network. This allows us to bring innovative treatments to our patients that might not be available elsewhere.

CHIP also provides state-wide programs for screening and treating pregnant women with HIV to help decrease the risk of transmission to their baby. Our CHIP Youth Project also teaches prevention and offers screening and care to youth at risk for HIV.

The CHIP team works closely with other departments from around the hospital, including gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, fetal care, dentistry, ophthalmology, pharmacy and physical, speech and occupational therapy as well as home care nursing services.

Who we treat at CHIP

We offer services for everyone from babies and children who were born with HIV to adolescents, young adults and pregnant mothers affected by HIV.

Infants and children

CHIP provides comprehensive care for infants and children who are born with or have an HIV infection, as well as their families. This care extends to the parents or caregivers of children with HIV and is coordinated with UCHealth, Denver Health and private HIV care providers to help with adult referrals and inpatient care.

Teens and young adults

For adolescent and young adult care, we coordinate with primary care physicians, school programs, community agencies and support services. Our CHIP Youth Project provides comprehensive HIV care to youth and young adults from ages 13 to 24. We also provide region-wide programs for prevention and screening for youth at risk for HIV.

Pregnant women and infants

CHIP provides care to pregnant women living with HIV, as well as babies who were born to mothers with HIV. We also support state-wide programs for screening and treating pregnant women with HIV aimed at reducing the risk of passing it on to their baby. We coordinate care for pregnant women with their obstetrician and primary care provider along with community agencies.

Why choose us for HIV care

Through innovative, family-centered care, research and prevention programs, we are improving the health and quality of life for children, teens, young adults, pregnant women and families affected by HIV, or at risk for HIV infection. CHIP is the only program in the Rocky Mountain region like this.

Our multidisciplinary team addresses all aspects of care, from medical needs to psychological and social support. In addition to providing an experienced, compassionate medical team, we also contribute to research for new medications, bring those medications to our patients and provide community outreach, prevention programs and HIV testing. Through this comprehensive approach, we are making lives better across Colorado and providing a well-needed service to those affected by HIV.

“The CHIP program has been our beacon of light while navigating rough waters. The incredible staff is second to none and provides multidimensional therapeutic care not only to our daughter, but to our whole family. We really cannot say enough about how thankful we are for the entire CHIP staff and their thoughtful expertise!”
Parent of a Children’s Colorado Patient

Contact CHIP

To learn more about CHIP, please call 720-777-8233. The CHIP clinic is held at Children’s Hospital Colorado on Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Meet our children's hospital immunodeficiency program experts

Kim Pierce, CPNP-PC

Kim Pierce, CPNP-PC

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

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Kay Kinzie, FNP-BC

Kay Kinzie, FNP-BC

Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

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Elizabeth McFarland, MD

Elizabeth McFarland, MD

Infectious Disease - Pediatric, Pediatrics

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Christy Smith-Anderson, MD

Christy Smith-Anderson, MD

Infectious Disease - Pediatric, Pediatrics

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