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Explore the journey of HIV prevention from the 1990s to today, detailing lessons learned and initiatives taken by PPC. Discover insights from Connecticut's HIV/AIDS statistics and PPC's innovative approaches, including rapid testing and outreach strategies.
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Lessons Learned: PPC’s experience with HIV prevention from 1990 to the present. Susan Lane OPA Title X HIV conference June 12, 2007
HIV/AIDS in Connecticut • CT ranks 8th among states in the rate of AIDS cases (19 per 100,000 in 2005) • State health officials estimate that as many as 20,000 CT residents are infected with HIV. • 39% are women—as compared to 26% nationally • 34% are white; 27% are black; 36% are Hispanic. • About half live in three cities—Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford.
Late 80s, early 90s • We provide information about prevention, but patients referred to local health depts and other agencies for counseling and testing. • HIV still considered peripheral to family planning. • 1989: PPC receives funds from U.S. Conference of Mayors to prepare a training video on HIV prevention.
Early 90s • 1994: PPC receives federal HIV prevention funds from state Department of Public Health. • Even though PPC not considered an “AIDS organization.” • 1995: PPC staff undergoes 5-day state certification for HIV counseling and testing. • State health department directs state funded HCT to send “low risk” referrals to PPC.
Late 90s • PPC revises its HIV counseling to incorporate transtheorectical model of behavior change • Meeting clients where they are; rather than one-size fits all counseling • PPC integrates HIV testing into annual and initial exams. • In conjunction with state DPH, we develop a special 2-day training for clinicians • PPC begins offering Orasure, the saliva-based HIV test.
2000-2006 • 2003: PPC allows some patients to receive results by telephone. • 2004: Two PPC centers pioneer use of rapid HIV testing. • Today rapid testing accounts for about 30% of all HIV tests. • % would be higher if covered by insurance plans. • 2006: PPC pioneers off-site HIV testing • At AIDS Walk New Haven, local fairs, National HIV testing day, as part of outreach at commercial nursery, monthly at a soup kitchen.
What we have learned over the years • HIV/AIDS is about sex, sexual health, sexual decision making. • Not just disease prevention. • People don’t know their risk • Can anyone really assess his or her risk • Women and men will go outside their local town to be tested. • Centers in “high risk” geographical location may not necessary have highest number of positives.
What we have learned over the years • People are willing to be tested—but how we test needs to fit into their lives. • The culture is changing around HIV/AIDS. • Cost v. confidentiality • Partners “requiring” negative HIV test