Prevention
HIV
The goal of the HIV Prevention team is to reduce HIV transmission. The HIV Prevention team accomplishes this by promoting HIV screening, providing HIV testing and counseling, providing partner services and linkages to HIV treatment and care, and implementing high-impact prevention (HIP) strategies among individuals most at risk for HIV infection.
Current HIV prevention activities focus on biomedical interventions and improving Utah’s Care Continuum. HIV prevention efforts are targeted at preventing HIV infection, identifying individuals with HIV, and ensuring appropriate linkage to care with the ultimate goal of viral suppression for all individuals living with HIV.
Current prevention activities are:
- HIV Testing
- Condom Distribution
- Partner Services
- Re-engagement to HIV care
- PrEP Education and Access
STDs
The vision of the STD Prevention team is to create healthy and informed populations, specifically those at risk for acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. The team focuses on high‐risk populations and works to ensure all individuals have the information they need to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their own health. The team works to reduce STD occurrence in Utah through collaboration with public and private agencies. The team strives to improve surveillance and increase collaboration with STD‐related key stakeholders. Goals include increased STD screening within public and private settings, improved linkage to care, reductions in re‐infection rates, and increased knowledge of STDs among medical providers.
The STD Prevention team focuses on assessment and assurance activities; namely: surveillance, screening rates, gaps in safety net services, antibiotic resistance, screening and treatment, partner services, health promotion, prevention education and policy development.
Syringe Services
Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) are community-based interventions that provide access to sterile needles and syringes free of charge. The programs also facilitate safe disposal of used needles and syringes.
SSPs are an effective component of a comprehensive, integrated approach to HIV and hepatitis C prevention among people who inject drugs. Most SSPs offer other prevention materials and services, such as HIV/HCV education; overdose prevention, including Naloxone distribution; referral to substance abuse treatment programs; and counseling and testing for HIV and hepatitis C.