Objectives: 1. Identify strategies to integrate viral hepatitis counseling, testing, and referral services into HIV and STD prevention services. 2. Identify training needs for HIV, STD, substance use, and correctional health care providers. 3. Recognize lessons learned from state programs that have begun integrating viral hepatitis services into HIV and STD prevention services.
Text: Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are major public health problems in the United States. An estimated 3 million Americans are chronically infected with HCV, 1.2 million with HBV, and 0.7 million with HIV. Integrating viral hepatitis counseling, testing, and vaccination programs into existing HIV/STD prevention programs is an essential step toward prevention and control of HBV and HCV. Many risk behaviors for HBV and HCV infections are identical to those for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); therefore, forming partnerships among HIV, STD, and viral hepatitis prevention programs is necessary in order to integrate these programs successfully. This presentation will introduce strategies to integrate viral hepatitis counseling, testing, and medical management into HIV, STD, drug treatment, and correctional programs. Presented first will be results of a needs assessment that was implemented to determine interest in, and capacity for, integrating viral hepatitis counseling, testing, and referral services with prevention services in STD/HIV clinics, substance use centers, and correctional facilities. Second, strategies from state programs for integrating viral hepatitis prevention into STD clinics, an HIV+ primary care clinic, and a needle exchange setting will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify strategies to integrate viral hepatitis counseling, testing, and referral services into existing HIV and STD prevention or treatment services. 2. Identify training needs for HIV, STD, substance use, and correctional health care service providers. 3. Recognize lessons learned from state programs that have already begun integrating viral hepatitis services into HIV and STD prevention or treatment services
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Counseling
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers (Alabama, New York, Colorado, New York)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.