In 2003, California Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS (CDHS/OA)
conducted a demonstration project to evaluate the use of HCV counseling
and testing (C&T) as an incentive to attract larger numbers of IDUs into
HIV C&T. Among the results:
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HIV testing rates among IDUs nearly doubled when HIV C&T was offered in
conjunction with HCV C&T;
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HIV test disclosure return rates increased by 21 percent among IDUs
when individuals were able to receive both their HCV and HIV test
results; and
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IDUs were more interested in their HCV status than their HIV status.
In 2004, as a result of the demonstration project, the California
Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS implemented the
Injection Drug User HIV Counseling and Testing Utilizing HCV Screening
High-Risk Initiative in 24 local health jurisdictions. The intent of
the Initiative is to better understand how alternative approaches,
including incentives, influence the number of IDUs who enter into HIV C&T
programs in California. The Initiative’s objective is to increase the
number of IDUs who receive HIV C&T. The goals are:
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Primary goal – offering HCV screening in coordination with HIV
C&T.
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Secondary goal - integrating HCV testing into HIV C&T to
increase the number of IDUs who know their HCV status, and receive
appropriate HCV prevention; and to link infected persons to HCV care
services.
Data collected from the Initiative will help local health jurisdictions
to better understand HCV infection rates and related risk behaviors in
their respective jurisdictions. Such knowledge can also assist county and
state health officials to better address the prevention, treatment, and
funding needs among IDUs related to HCV and HIV infection.
Helpful resources:
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For more information on OA’s mission, OA programs, and other helpful
resources, visit the website
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/AIDS
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For information about HIV/AIDS, call the:
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For more Internet resources see the following websites:
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