Author: Kailee Curtis

HIV/AIDS Programs

Local health departments are key partners in the fight against transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the resulting Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). No cure exists for HIV, but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Therefore, prevention of HIV transmission, identification of new cases, and proper treatment of current patients are critical public health activities.

Key Positions
Public Health Nurse
Community Health Promotion Specialist

Combined FTE: 0.15

Meets Public Health Standards:

ü	Michigan Public Health Code
ü	Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation
	Public Health Accreditation Board

Aligns with BEDHD Strategic Priorities:

A strong, healthy start in life
Protect the community from potential health hazards
Enhance involvement, engagement, and collaboration

Funding Sources for BEDHD HIV Programs:

Health Improvement Efforts:

	Barry Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan
	Eaton Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan

In 2017, the BEDHD Wear One campaign distributed 16,400 condoms in Barry and Eaton counties.

State Grants

Local Funding

Services:
BEDHD conducts prevention and screening for HIV/AIDS. Services include HIV screening tests, linking patients who screen positive for HIV to confirmatory testing, helping individuals remain HIV-negative via education and prevention practices, and working with sexual partners who may be at risk for HIV. BEDHD participates in the Wear One Campaign; a health department and business partnership that provides free condoms in locations throughout the community. BEDHD also analyzes local data in order to understand trends in transmission and HIV service utilization.

Goals:
BEDHD conducts HIV/AIDS prevention and screening programs in order to:
Prevent transmission of HIV and decrease the number of new HIV infections
Suppress the overall viral load of our community
Educate health care providers and communities
Link patients to confirmatory testing and medical care

Impact: In 2016, 89% of Barry County residents and 87% of Eaton County residents living with HIV were linked to care for their HIV diagnosis.