The HIV Program works to reduce the spread of HIV and promote the health of HIV-infected Oregonians, using scientific principles of public health and working in partnership with other agencies and individuals. The program also administers funds aimed at reducing the impact of the disease in those who have become infected.
The HIV Prevention program is working to focus prevention services based on these four strategies: 1) To make HIV testing a routine part of medical care; 2) To implement new models for diagnosing HIV infections outside medical settings; 3) To prevent new infections by working with persons with HIV and their partners; and 4) To further decrease perinatal HIV transmission.
Why We're Here:
Current estimates show that 120,000 Oregonians are at risk of contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and 5,000 are already infected. Infection with HIV nearly always progresses to AIDS, which is fatal. Since HIV itself is preventable, the HIV Program exists to provide information on how to prevent transmission through unsafe sexual contact or sharing drug injection equipment, and to provide accurate information about disease trends. The HIV Program also assists persons infected with HIV to obtain necessary medical, social, and mental health services as well as prescription medications. This helps prolong and improve the quality of life for HIV-infected persons.
What We Do:
- Measure the impact of the epidemic in Oregon, forecast its future course and severity, and identify populations for targeted prevention activities.
- Facilitate HIV prevention activities through local health departments, community-based AIDS service organizations, the media, schools, Corrections, and public education (including local community planning and program implementation).
- Serve HIV-infected persons to coordinate their case management, enrollment in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, emergency assistance, and referral for social supports.
- Develop public policy, monitor quality of program delivery, provide fiscal oversight of funds both within the program and with local health departments and community-based organizations, and provide technical assistance.
