Posts Tagged ‘HIV Testing’
Safer Sex & PrEP Workshop for Men
Thursday, July 28th, 2016NYS HIV Infections Reach Historic Low; More Funds for PrEP Announced
Thursday, July 14th, 2016In case you missed this week’s big news from Albany, Gov. Cuomo announced that estimates of new HIV infections for 2014 show a decrease of 41% from 2006. Estimated new HIV infections were fewer than 2,500 for the first time. The estimated HIV incidence rate (that is, the rate of people living with HIV, per 10,000 residents) fell 43% since 2006.
New estimates also report that 123,000 New Yorkers live with HIV, as of the end of 2014. About 10,000 do not yet know they are HIV-positive (8%). While this is good news overall, the report also estimates that only 62% of HIVers are virally suppressed (they have an undetectable viral load) and are, theoretically, incapable of infecting others. NYS would like to increase this percentage while continuing to decrease new infections to less than 750 per year by 2020.
Gov. Cuomo also announced an additional $4 million in funding to spread awareness of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). The NYS Department of Health unveiled new videos to educate the public about PrEP and a new website, PrEPforSex.org.
HVCS offers PrEP referrals, information and support, so please contact us if you’re thinking about going on PrEP to stay safe from HIV. These are trends we want to see continue!
NYS Dept of Health Debuts New PrEP Website & Video Series
Thursday, July 14th, 2016The AIDS Institute announced two new exciting resources on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV.
PrEP for Sex Video Series
This series of eight videos highlights the voices of men who are currently taking PrEP to prevent HIV infection.
Honest, forthright and insightful, these videos address the following topics:
- Is PrEP Right for Me
- Beginning the Process
- Affordability
- Remembering to Take PrEP
- Condom Use
- Why PrEP
- Side Effects
- PrEP and Emotions
PrEP Website
The AIDS Institute also unveiled a new website to unite the video series and public service announcements: PrEPforSex.org.
There is also a new text-message campaign. Users can text the word “PREP” to 69866 for personalized PrEP recommendations and resources.
National HIV Testing Day – Putnam County
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016
National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
September 27
In 2008 the National Association of People with AIDS launched this observance day.
National HIV Testing Day
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
National HIV Testing Day
June 27
National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) was first observed on June 27, 1995.
The annual theme is Take the Test. Take Control.
National HIV Testing Day
Tuesday, January 6th, 2015HIV Testing: Skills Practice Session
Friday, September 12th, 20146.5 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing); ‡ 6.5 CNE hours
This one-day training will provide participants with an opportunity to practice key skills related to offering HIV testing services.
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
• Recall how to provide streamlined pre-test information;
• Describe how to deliver preliminary positive and confirmed positive HIV test results;
• Describe how to link newly diagnosed HIV positive patients to health care and support services;
• Provide information to HIV positive patients to promote notification of sexual and needle sharing partners; and
• Conduct the NYS domestic violence screening protocol.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic HIV/AIDS information and attendance at the AIDS Institute training, “HIV Testing in NYS: 2010 Update” within the past 12 months
Audience: All health or human services providers who offer HIV testing as part of their job responsibilities.
HIV Testing in NYS
Friday, September 12th, 20144 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing); 4 CNE hours
This half-day training will provide information about new developments in HIV testing as a result of passage of Chapter 308 of the Laws of 2010.
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
• List the core elements of the 2010 New York State HIV Testing law (S.8227/A.11487) and their importance;
• Recall that HIV testing must be offered to all persons between the ages of 13 and 64 receiving hospital or primary care services with some limited exceptions;
• Describe the simplified process for obtaining patient consent for HIV testing;
• List the elements of HIV pre and post-test counseling with an emphasis on streamlining the process;
• Recall the responsibility of the health care provider to arrange for follow-up medical care for all patients who test HIV positive;
• Describe changes in HIV testing related to occupational exposure; and
• Explain revised disclosure practices.
Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this training, it is strongly recommended that participants have previous training in basic HIV/AIDS.
Audience: All health or human service providers who offer HIV testing as a part of their job responsibilities and other providers who require clarification on the 2010 HIV testing law
Additional Training: Participants who would like an opportunity to practice the skills associated with offering HIV testing services may choose to attend the AIDS Institute training, “HIV Testing: Skills Practice Session.”
National HIV Testing Day
Friday, June 20th, 2014June 27th is National HIV Testing Day!
Do you know your status? When was the last time you had an HIV test? If you’re not sure, it’s time to find out. Whether you get a free, confidential HIV test on June 27th or set up an appointment that works for your schedule with HVCS’ staff, knowing your HIV status is vitally important.
To find out more about HVCS’ testing options, and if you’re at risk for HIV infection, visit our HIV testing page.
To mark National HIV Testing Day, the Westchester County Health Department and its Project WAVE (War Against the Virus Escalating) partners will offer free, rapid HIV tests on Friday, June 27, at the following locations:
Westchester County Health Department
Yonkers District Office
20 S. Broadway, 2nd Floor
8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Phone: 231-2500
Family Services of Westchester & Westchester Medical Center
Corner of Gramatan and Lincoln avenues, Mount Vernon
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Phone: 493-1172
Open Door Family Medical Center
165 Main St., Ossining
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Phone: 502-1479
Port Chester Open Door Medical Center
5 Grace Church St., Port Chester
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Phone: 406-8207
“An estimated 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV, and yet one out of five doesn’t know it,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. “To find out your status, there are plenty of places in Westchester that offer free testing on a regular basis, like our Health Department clinics. The test is quick, simple and readily available, so there’s no excuse not to get one.”
The Westchester County Department of Health provides free, confidential, rapid HIV tests routinely at its HIV and STD clinics.
For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/health and click on the clinic schedules link on the left.
WAVE works with more than 230 member agencies throughout the state to promote HIV counseling, testing and referrals.
Or check out Planned Parenthood’s free HIV testing on Friday, June 27th.
FREE* HIV TESTS
Friday, June 27
In honor of
National HIV Testing Day
Take a FREE* rapid HIV test at any PPHP Suffolk, Westchester, or Rockland health center on June 27. Results available while you wait. No appointment necessary, but recommended to reduce wait time.
PPHP Health Centers
Suffolk County Westchester County
Smithtown: 70 Maple Ave. White Plains: 175 Tarrytown Rd.
Huntington: 755 New York Ave., 3rd fl. Mount Vernon: 6 Gramatan Ave., 4th fl.
Riverhead: 550 East Main St. New Rochelle: 247-249 North Ave.
West Islip: 180 Sunrise Hwy. Yonkers: 20 South Broadway, 11th fl.
Patchogue: 450 Waverly Ave.
Rockland County Putnam County (**June 26)
Spring Valley: 25 Perlman Dr., 2nd fl. Brewster: 2505 Carmel Avenue
Quality. Affordable. Confidential.
www.pphp.org 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
* The test and the office visit are free when visiting any PPHP health center for an HIV test only.
** Testing is free at Brewster center June 26 only.