NCJ Number
219303
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 93-128
Date Published
April 2007
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This article highlights critical issues that must be considered in implementing demonstration projects, under the Special Projects of National Significance initiative, to enhance linkages to primary care in jail settings and after release for HIV-infected inmates.
Abstract
The Evaluation Support Center for an Initiative on Enhancing Linkages to HIV Primary Care in Jail Settings, under the Rollins School of Public Health and Abt Associates, observed that jail was often the first opportunity for health screening, and HIV testing is a link in gaining access to the continuum of HIV prevention and treatment services. The consultancy meeting, convened to review program models and strategies for HIV testing, underscored the need for jails to identify the HIV-positive inmates passing through their facilities. Failure to provide a positive HIV test result to someone who is infected represents a missed public health opportunity. Diagnosis is the first step for linkage. The necessary components of effective linkage programs for HIV-positive inmates leaving jails still must be determined. Robust evaluations help in determining these components by providing evidence for what types of linkage programs work and what does not. Helping high-risk individuals in jails learn their HIV status and linking them to care is an important public health opportunity. The Health Resources and Services Administration are sponsoring the Special Projects of National Significance initiative to enhance linkages to primary care in jail settings through local demonstration projects. A consultancy meeting was held to review program models and strategies for HIV testing and linkages to HIV care in jails and in the community. Figures, tables, appendix and references