HIV, STI, Viral Hepatitis, and Harm Reduction Digest
April 21, 2022
Highlights of the Week
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Washoe County is reviewing their local and state records retention policies. They have been asked for other jurisdictions’ examples of their STD and HIV retention policies to inform changes that they would like to be made. If anyone would share your policies, especially focused on syphilis and HIV, that would be greatly appreciated!
Take Advantage of Early-Bird Rates for NACCHO 360!
Early-bird registration for NACCHO 360 is available until June 6 for both in-person and virtual attendees. NACCHO 360, which will be held in Atlanta on July 19 - 21, will bring together public health professionals, practices, and disciplines in an interactive setting designed to facilitate sharing and learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to reconnect with their colleagues, process the COVID experience, plan for the future, and learn practical tools, concepts, and strategies to address ongoing public health challenges. Register today!
HIV/STI/Viral Hepatitis (HSH) Job/Consultant Opportunities
NACCHO is looking for a talented, enthusiastic Communications Specialist who wants to use their skills in support of our diverse HIV, STI, Viral Hepatitis team. General responsibilities include substantive writing (creative and technical), editing, copyediting, and proofreading publications; developing and maintaining web pages; providing communications support at events and conferences; and promoting the work of NACCHO’s HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis projects using all forms of media including traditional and new media outlets. Please click here for more information.
New Funding Opportunities for Working with Pharmacies and Retail Health Clinics to Provide Sexual Health Services
NACCHO, with support from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP), is pleased to announce two new funding opportunities for health departments to partner with other healthcare entities to expand STI and HIV services, treatment, and care in their communities.
- Leveraging Pharmacies for STI Services and Care – Due May 27, 2022
- Leveraging Retail Health Clinics for STI/HIV Services and Care for Underserved Minorities – Due May 31, 202
NACCHO HIV, STI, Hepatitis, and Harm Reduction News and Announcements
Hepatitis Network for Education and Testing (HepNET)
NACCHO, in partnership with NASTAD and the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, is launching the Hepatitis Network for Education and Testing (HepNET) with a goal of identifying and addressing the unmet needs of people who inject drugs (PWID) and improving their access to viral hepatitis education, prevention, testing, linkage to care, and treatment. Please join us on May 12th for a Town Hall to support the launch and implementation of HepNET.
Applications Open: NACCHO’s Subject Matter Expert Advisory Workgroups
NACCHO’s Subject Matter Expert Advisory Workgroups – including the HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Workgroup – are a primary and recognized vehicle for identifying the opportunities and challenges facing local health departments (LHDs) and the field at large. NACCHO members from all areas of public health come together to explore the many facets of the field and help NACCHO make the best decisions in serving its members, and local public health. A list of NACCHO’s Subject Matter Expert Advisory Workgroups, along with their descriptions and the time commitments required to serve, is available here.
NACCHO invites LHD leaders and their staff to apply to help inform and guide NACCHO’s projects. We invite you to lead your professional organization by sharing your talents and expertise. The application period for participation in our 2022-2023 Subject Matter Expert Advisory Workgroups will close on April 30, 2022.
Participation in NACCHO’s Workgroups is a benefit of active NACCHO Membership. If you are unsure whether you are a current member or for more information about NACCHO’s advisory workgroups, email [email protected].
STD QCS Planning Toolkit Evaluation
Since the STD QCS Planning Toolkit was released in January 2021, it has been used by many jurisdictions and we want to follow up with jurisdictions that may have used it (or downloaded it to use but have not yet used it) about what its’ usefulness has been and any improvements or modifications that are needed. Please take this short survey to provide feedback on how you may have used the toolkit or why you may not have used it after initial interest.
HIV, STI, Hepatitis, and Harm Reduction Resources and News
2022 STD Prevention Conference: “Virtually Possible: New Horizons in Sexual Health”
The 2022 STD Prevention Conference will be held virtually September 19-22, 2022. Early bird registration ends July 20, 2022. Visit the conference website in the link above for registration rates, frequently asked questions, and more information.
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), a day to emphasize and encourage HIV testing. The theme for 2022 is “HIV Testing is Self-care.” The World Health Organization defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” The NHTD messaging will emphasize that HIV testing can be free, easy, fast, and confidential. HIV self-tests can be done when and where an individual chooses. Stay tuned for more info!
National Transgender HIV Testing Day (NTHTD)
April 18 was National Transgender HIV Testing Day, a day to recognize the importance of routine HIV testing, status awareness, & continued focus on HIV prevention & treatment for transgender & nonbinary people. Check out the link above for what was promoted!
From the Field: Research, Policy, and Project Updates
SAMHSA Announces Grant Funding for HIV/AIDS Projects
Minority AIDS Initiative – Service Integration (MAI-SI): Due April 25
Description: The purpose of this program is to provide resources to help reduce the co-occurring epidemics of HIV, Hepatitis, and mental health disorders through accessible, evidence-based, culturally appropriate mental and co-occurring disorder treatment that is integrated with HIV primary care and prevention services.
Minority AIDS Initiative: Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Racial/Ethnic Minority Populations at High Risk for HIV/AIDS: Due April 29
The purpose of this program is to increase engagement in care for racial and ethnic underrepresented individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) and/or co-occurring substance use and mental disorders (COD) who are at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS and receive HIV/AIDS services/treatment.
The purpose of this program is to provide substance misuse and HIV prevention services to racial/ethnic minority males at risk for HIV/AIDS. The program will place an emphasis on males who have sex with other males (MSM), including transgender individuals, as well as those who identify as LGBTQ+ who are not in stable housing and reside in communities with high incidence rates of HIV.
Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B Release New Fact Sheet on COVID-19 and Hepatitis
Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United have created a new patient-focused fact sheet on the co-administration of the COVID-19 vaccine with the hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or Flu vaccines.
In the News
- STDs are on the rise again as pandemic eases - Boston Herald
- Bill advances to provide more STI preventing drugs for sexual assault victims - Colorado Politics
- HIV PrEP Awareness Increases Significantly, but Usage Still Lagging – Contagion Live
Events and Webinars
Voices From the Field: Ending the HIV Epidemic in Wayne County, Michigan
April 26th 2:00 – 3:00pm ET
Hosted by: NCSD
Conscious Language in Sexual Health
April 27th 2:00 – 3:00pm ET
Hosted by: NCSD
Registration open.
April, May, and Junes dates.
Hosted by: NNDITC & NCSD
Viral Hepatitis: Advances in Care and Treatment- Closing the Gap!
May 19th
2:00pm ET – 3:30pm ET
Hosted by: HRSA
