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FDA Notice: Drug Interactions Between Victrelis, An HCV Protease Inhibitor, and Certain HIV Protease Inhibitors

Posted February 2012

Drug Interactions Between Victrelis, An HCV Protease Inhibitor, and Certain HIV Protease Inhibitors

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is notifying healthcare professionals and patients that drug interactions between the hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor Victrelis (boceprevir) and certain ritonavir-boosted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (atazanavir, lopinavir, darunavir) can potentially reduce the effectiveness of these medicines when they are used together.

Patients should not stop taking any of their medicines without talking to their healthcare professional. Patients should contact their healthcare professional if they have any questions or concerns.

Healthcare professionals who have started patients infected with both chronic HCV and HIV on Victrelis and antiretroviral therapy containing a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor should closely monitor patients for HCV treatment response and for potential HCV and HIV virologic rebound.

For more information, click here.

For the original FDA announcement for approval of Victrelis, click here.

 

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Updated HHS Adult and Adolescent Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines Now Available

Posted March 2012

The HHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents is pleased to release the updated Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. Key additions and revisions to the guidelines include:

  • New section on HIV and the older patient
  • New table on cost of antiretroviral drugs
  • Updated recommendations on initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in treatment-naive individuals
  • Expanded discussion of use of hormonal contraceptives in HIV-infected women
  • Preliminary recommendations on coadministration of the newly approved hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitors (PIs) boceprevir and telaprevir
  • Recommendations on “when to start” ART in HIV-infected individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis but not receiving ART
  • Discussion of the role of effective ART in preventing HIV transmission

For a complete preview of key updates to the guidelines, please see What’s New in the Guidelines?

To view or download the guidelines, go to the Adult and Adolescent Treatment Guidelines section of AIDSinfo.

 

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IAPAC Guidelines on Retention and Adherence to HIV Treatment

Posted March 2012

The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (IAPAC) has released a new set of evidence-based guidelines meant to optimize entry into and retention in HIV care and adherence to HIV treatment. Guidelines for Improving Entry into and Retention in Care and Antiretroviral Adherence for Persons with HIV were developed by an expert IAPAC Panel.

The guidelines include recommendations in several key areas: entry into and retention in care; monitoring adherence to HIV care and antiretroviral therapy (ART); interventions to improve ART adherence including those involving choice of ART regimens; adherence tools for patients; education and counseling; and health system and service delivery interventions. The needs of special populations (such as pregnant women, individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, homeless and marginally housed individuals, incarcerated individuals, and children and adolescents) are also addressed in the guidelines, as are recommendations for future research in these areas.

For more information, please visit http://www.annals.org/content/early/2012/03/05/0003-4819-156-11-201206050-00419.full

 

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CDC Releases 2010 HIV Surveillance Report

Posted March 2012

On March 14, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the HIV Surveillance Report, 2010 Vol. 22. The annual report summarizes information about diagnosed HIV infection and AIDS in the United States and dependent areas. CDC’s public health partners in other federal agencies, health departments, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and the general public use the HIV surveillance data in the report to help focus prevention efforts, plan services, allocate resources, develop policy, and monitor trends in HIV infection.

 

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HIV/AIDS Clinical Education Initiative: February 2012

Posted February 2012

New CEI Mobile Website and Android App

CEI is pleased to announce the launch of a new website for mobile devices. Now you can watch learning materials and videos from your smart phones and other handheld devices.

For more information, visit www.ceitraining.org/mobile_intro/mobileweb.cfm

CEI Android App: CEI-nema

CEI is pleased to announce the launch of an Android App: CEI-nema. The CEI-nema app brings you a different way for online learning directly from your android devices.

For more information, visit www.ceitraining.org/mobile_intro/android.cfm

For more information about CEI, please visit http://www.ceitraining.org/index.cfm

 

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NQC e-Newsletter: February 2012

Posted February 2012

We are always looking for new ways to connect you to the best quality improvement information, whether it be through our new Facebook page or Quality Academy Tutorials on the updated HAB Performance Measures. We hope you take advantage of all our no-cost improvement resources.

  • NQC News | in+care Campaign Update: Local Champions at Work
  • NQC News | We Are on Facebook!
  • NQC Offering | Coming Soon: Quality Academy Tutorials on HAB Performance Measures
  • NQC Offering | Data Submission Technical Assistance for in+care Campaign
  • NQC Reminder | NQC Quality Awards: Nominations Due February 29
  • Real World Quality | Carol Kunzel, PhD
  • Help Wanted | Quality Improvement Consultants

To view the complete February 2012 NQC e-Newsletter, please click here.

For more information, please visit the NQC website at http://www.nationalqualitycenter.org/

 

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HEALTHQUAL Update: January 2012

Posted January 2012

Dear Colleague:

This issue of the HEALTHQUAL Update showcases some of the notable quality improvement work taking place in Haiti at the direction of the Ministry of Public Health and Population and with technical assistance from HIVQUAL-Haiti, CDC Haiti and other implementing partners.

The two clinic-level QI initiatives included here reflect a national commitment to building capacity for sustainable QI and reinforce a framework for quality management at the government level. Haiti continues to press ahead with their improvement work despite challenges, and should serve as an important example of innovation despite resource limitations.

Thank you all again for your continued support and interest in our work.

Please click here to download the January 2012 HEALTHQUAL Update (Adobe Acrobat).

Please visit us on the web at http://www.healthqual.org/ for more information about the ACLN and other quality improvement resources.

 

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HIVQUAL-US Brief: January 2012

Posted January 2012

The sixth edition of the HIVQUAL-US Briefs is now available. This edition highlights recent quality improvement efforts by Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Care Services Division (HCSD) in increasing rates for sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening (including gonorrhea, Chlamydia and syphilis) among HIV-positive patients. Additionally, the sixth brief features information on the recently released quality measures for the National Quality Center’s in+care Campaign to improve patient retention.

Please click here to download the HIVQUAL-US Brief 6 (Adobe Acrobat).

Comments or questions regarding the HIVQUAL-US Briefs may be sent to Amanda Bowes at acb11@health.state.ny.us.

For more information, please visit the HIVQUAL-US website at http://hivqualus.org/

 

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Fenway Institute encourages all health care providers to ask patients about sexual orientation and gender identity

Posted February 2012

The Fenway Institute has issued two Policy Focus briefs highlighting the importance of gathering sexual orientation and gender identity data in clinical settings and to provide guidance to clinicians to gather such data. Why gather data on sexual orientation and gender identity in clinical settings explains how gathering such data will help us understand lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) health disparities, and how it is consistent with key recommendations in Healthy People 2020, the 2011 Institute of Medicine report on LGBT health issues and research gaps, and the Affordable Care Act. Gathering such data in electronic health records (EHRs) is especially important.

How to gather data on sexual orientation and gender identity in clinical settings provides guidance on how to ask questions on patient registration form and how clinicians can ask questions during medical visits. This second brief addresses concerns about confidentiality with EHRs and other potential barriers to collecting data on LGBT identity.

For more information, please visit Fenway Health at http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/PageServer, and The Fenway Institute at http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FCHC_ins_fenway_home

 

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NYC Health Department Announces 41% Drop in HIV/AIDS Related Deaths Among Black New Yorkers

Posted February 2012

Health Department Announces 41% Drop in HIV/AIDS Related Deaths Among Black New Yorkers

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, February 7th, reminds New Yorkers to get tested, take steps to prevent HIV

The Health Department announced that new HIV data shows a 41% drop in deaths among black persons living with HIV/AIDS between 2001 and 2010. Despite this progress, black New Yorkers – representing 25% of the New York City population – disproportionately accounted for almost half of all new HIV diagnoses (48%) in 2010, a proportion that has remained almost unchanged for the past 5 years. Blacks were, however, more likely than all other racial/ethnic groups in the City to have had an HIV test in the past 12 months. To commemorate the 12th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Health Department reminds all New Yorkers who do not know their HIV status to get tested for HIV, take the necessary precautions to stay negative and protect their partners, and get into treatment if they are positive.

To learn more, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2012/pr002-12.shtml

 

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Weill Cornell accepting applications for Health Information Technology Certificate Program: Financial assistance available

Posted February 2012

The Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences is accepting applications through May 25, 2012, for its five-month Health Information Technology Certificate Program (www.sce.cornell.edu/exec/hitcp).

This program, which runs July 14 through December 15, 2012, is designed to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills required to work with electronic health records (EHRs) and other types of health information technology.

For more information, please visit http://www.sce.cornell.edu/exec/hitcp/index.php

 

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CDC Releases Supplement to the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report

Posted February 2012

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report, Volume 17, Number 2: Diagnoses of HIV Infection and AIDS among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States and 5 U.S. Dependent Areas, 2006–2009. This report provides information and statistics on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS among people 13 to 24 years old who live in the United States and dependent areas. It is a supplement to the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report.

 

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NQC Quality of Care Awards: Nominations Due February 29

Posted January 2012

The National Quality Center (NQC) created the Quality of Care Award Program to recognize Ryan White Program grantees, organizations, and individuals across all Parts that have demonstrated outstanding progress in improving HIV care. Nominations are due February 29.

NQC is seeking applications to recognize grantees in the following categories:

  • Performance Measurement
  • Quality Improvement Activities
  • Quality Management Infrastructure Development
  • Leadership in Quality
  • Consumer Involvement in Quality Improvement

For more information please visit, http://nationalqualitycenter.org/index.cfm/5847/17961.

 

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Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part D Grants for Coordinated HIV Services & Access to Research for WICY: Applications due by March 16, 2012

Posted January 2012

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part D Grants for Coordinated HIV Services and Access to Research for Women, Infants, Children, and Youth (WICY) Competitive Funding Opportunity Announcement has been posted and applications are due by March 16, 2012.

Information about TA (technical assistance) calls and other TA – including the process and link for registering for the calls are on Page 49 of this announcement. If you are interested in attending these calls – please go to Section VIII Other Information on Page 49 and follow the steps outlined there to attend a call. You may need to cut and paste the link from Page 49 into your browser. Space is limited to 100 participants a call.

Information about these TA calls is also posted in our Events section.

 

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NY HIV & AIDS Events Calendar Site: Free Event Listing Service Tool

Posted January 2012

The NY HIV and AIDS Calendar is now operational.

The site if free for the posting of your upcoming HIV and AIDS related events.

Please list your upcoming HIV and AIDS related event directly to the site.

Feel free to share the new public events site at: www.haevents.org

 

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NY & NJ AETC: Hepatitis C Treatment Update: A Self-Study Booklet

Posted January 2012

The following is a new resource available through the New York and New Jersey AIDS Education and Training Center.

-Hepatitis C Treatment Update (Adobe Acrobat)

This is a self-study booklet which offers education credit until June 30, 2012. Copyright is waived.

Log on to watch video lectures conferences and receive free CME credit at http://nynjaetc.org/on-demand/index.html.

For the AETC National Resource Center and to find your local AETC Performance site click on the link below:

http://www.aids-ed.org/

 

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FDA Updates Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (Viread) Label with New Dosing and Formulation Information

Posted January 2012

“On January 18, 2012, the Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) labeling was updated to include dosing information in pediatric patients 2 to less than 18 years of age. An oral powder (40 mg per 1 gram of oral powder) formulation and 150 mg, 200 mg and 250 mg tablets were also approved to support dosing in pediatric patients. … In addition the patient labeling was updated to include information on pediatric patients and instruction on how to prepare and give Viread oral powder.”

The updated label will be available soon at the FDA Web site.

 

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Updated CDC HIV Surveillance Slide Sets Now Available

Posted April 2012

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated two slide sets. The “HIV Mortality (through 2008)” slide set provides an analysis of trends on rates and distributions of deaths in the United States, focusing on deaths due to HIV disease (i.e., disease that is directly or indirectly attributable to HIV, including AIDS). The trends are presented by sex, age group, geographic region, and race/ethnicity.

The “HIV Surveillance in Women” slide set provides estimated numbers and rates of diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in women in the United States and dependent areas. Information is presented by race/ethnicity, transmission category, and age at diagnosis.

 

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Revised “Standards of Care” for transsexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals

Posted January 2012

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) released a newly-revised edition of the Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People, on September 25, 2011 at the WPATH conference in Atlanta.

The SOC is considered the standard document of reference on caring for the transsexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming population. The newly-revised SOC will help health professionals better understand how they can offer the most effective care to these individuals. The SOC focuses on primary care, gynecologic and urologic care, reproductive options, voice and communication therapy, mental health services and hormonal and surgical treatment.

“The latest 2011 revisions to the SOC realize that transgender, transsexual, and gender nonconforming people have unique health care needs to promote their overall health and well-being, and that those needs extend beyond hormonal treatment and surgical intervention,” said SOC Committee Chair, Eli Coleman, PhD, Professor and Director at Program in Human Sexuality, University of Minnesota.

This is the seventh version of the Standards of Care. The original SOC were published in 1979. Previous revisions occurred in 1980, 1981, 1990, 1998 and 2001.

Click here to download the full news release (Adobe Acrobat).

To download the 7th version of the Standards of Care, please visit the WPATH website at http://www.wpath.org/

 

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American Academy of Neurology Issues New Guidelines for Prescribing Antiepileptic Drugs to People Infected with HIV

Posted January 2012

“[The objective is to] develop guidelines for selection of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) among people with HIV/AIDS. … The literature was systematically reviewed to assess the global burden of relevant comorbid entities, to determine the number of patients who potentially utilize AEDs and antiretroviral agents (ARVs), and to address AED-ARV interactions. … AED-ARV administration may be indicated in up to 55% of people taking ARVs. Patients receiving phenytoin may require a lopinavir/ritonavir dosage increase of ∼50% to maintain unchanged serum concentrations (Level C). Patients receiving valproic acid may require a zidovudine dosage reduction to maintain unchanged serum zidovudine concentrations (Level C). Coadministration of valproic acid and efavirenz may not require efavirenz dosage adjustment (Level C). Patients receiving ritonavir/atazanavir may require a lamotrigine dosage increase of ∼50% to maintain unchanged lamotrigine serum concentrations (Level C). Coadministration of raltegravir/atazanavir and lamotrigine may not require lamotrigine dosage adjustment (Level C). Coadministration of raltegravir and midazolam may not require midazolam dosage adjustment (Level C). Patients may be counseled that it is unclear whether dosage adjustment is necessary when other AEDs and ARVs are combined (Level U). It may be important to avoid enzyme-inducing AEDs in people on ARV regimens that include protease inhibitors or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, as pharmacokinetic interactions may result in virologic failure, which has clinical implications for disease progression and development of ARV resistance. If such regimens are required for seizure control, patients may be monitored through pharmacokinetic assessments to ensure efficacy of the ARV regimen (Level C).”

More information is available:

 

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HHS Guidelines Panels Issue Statement on Treating Latent Tuberculosis Infection in People Infected with HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

Posted December 2011

The HHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents and the HHS Panel on Antiretroviral Therapy and Medical Management of HIV-Infected Children have issued a statement on treating latent tuberculosis infection in people infected with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Click here to see the statement: “Short-Course (3-Month) Therapy with Weekly Isoniazid-Rifapentine Is NOT RECOMMENDED for HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy.”

This communication is made in consultation with the HHS Panel on Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents and the HHS Panel on Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Children.

 

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FDA Approves Oral Suspension Formulation of Darunavir (Prezista) and Updates Product Label

December 2011

“On December 16, 2011, The Food and Drug Administration approved an oral suspension formulation of Prezista (darunavir). Prezista is now available as a 100 mg/mL oral suspension.

“Additionally, the product labeling was updated to provide dosing recommendations for pediatric patients ages 3 to less than 6 years of age and for adult and pediatric patients greater than 6 years of age who can not swallow Prezista tablets. …

“Section 6 Adverse Reactions (ADRs) was update to reflect clinical trial experience in pediatric patients from Study TMC1140C228 …

“Section 12.3 Pharmacokinetics was updated to provide population pharmacokinetic estimates of darunavir exposure in pediatric patients.

“Section 14: Clinical Studies was updated to reflect the results from the pediatric trial … .”

The updated label will be available at the FDA Web site.

More information is available:

 

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FDA Updates Ritonavir (Norvir) Label with New Safety Information

Posted December 2011

“On December 7, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved the following revisions to the Norvir (ritonavir) tablets, capsules and oral solution product labeling:

“The Contraindications section was updated to include toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

“The Warning and Precautions, Adverse Reactions and Postmarketing Experience sections were updated to include toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) …

“Section 7: Drug Interaction was updated to include information regarding the anticancer agents dasatinib and nilotinib and fentanyl.”

The updated label will be available at the FDA Web site.

More information is available:

 

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AIDS Institute’s HIV Clinical Education Initiative (CEI) Launches High-Tech Effort for HIV Education

Posted December 2011

In recognition of the tremendous growth in the number of health care professionals who use mobile technology such as “smartphones” and “tablets” to assist them in providing care to their patients, the HIV Clinical Education Initiative (CEI) Technology Center at the NYSDOH’s AIDS Institute recently announced the availability of two new and exciting ways to access online HIV clinical information.

The Technology Center has developed a Google Android application called CEInema that is accessible at Google’s Android Market. Users can install the Android application on any smartphone or tablet that operates on the Android operating system. CEInema gives health professionals access to CEI’s ever-growing and diverse library of videos and educational materials. The application is free and users can download it from the Google Android Marketplace by searching for the key words “HIV Education.”

In addition to the CEInema application, the CEI Technology Center is also pleased to announce an updated version of its CEI mobile website. This new version will enable visitors to view CEI’s extensive library of training materials and search for upcoming educational presentations and conferences. It will also allow health professionals to search for important CEI-related phone numbers, such as the PEP line (1-888-448-4911) which provides free consultative support to clinicians who have questions about post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV exposure.

The mobile website is a cross-platform and cross-device that supports smartphones such as the iPhone, Windows Mobile phones, and Android phones. In addition, clinicians can access the site via other mobile devices such as iPads and iPods.

The CEInema Android application is available now and the CEI Technology Center expects the new mobile CEI website to launch in January 2012.

Please check the CEI website (www.ceitraining.org) for detailed information about these new clinical tools, as well as a video overview of their features.

 

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AIDS Institute's Voluntary HIV Provider Directory

Posted October 2011

AIDS Institute’s (AI) Voluntary HIV Provider Directory

This directory provides HIV infected patients with valuable contact information for experienced providers throughout New York State.

The directory will be updated annually, and we ask that you keep your contact information current. To update your listing or request removal from the directory, please email us.

If you have not yet submitted your information, we encourage you to do so. Your feedback and suggestions are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Maeve O’Neill.

 

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2011 Linda Laubenstein Award Recipients

Posted November 2011

The Office of the Medical Director is pleased to announce that two outstanding clinicians have been selected as the 2011 recipients of the Linda Laubenstein Award for excellence in HIV care. This award honors those clinicians who, in addition to providing the highest quality of clinical care for people with HIV, are distinguished as well by their wholehearted commitment to caring for those with HIV/AIDS. The Laubenstein Award represents an opportunity for the AIDS Institute to highlight the contributions of clinicians whose service has been extraordinary and to thank them publicly for their accomplishments.

The award recipients for 2011 are:

  • Roberto B Corales, DO, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, AIDS Care, Rochester, New York

  • Peter G Gordon, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Columbia University, and Medical Director, Comprehensive HIV Program and Ambulatory Care Network, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York

The HIV Clinical Excellence Award was established in 1992 in memory of Dr. Linda Laubenstein (1957-1992), a Manhattan physician, to honor her pioneering work and outstanding contribution to the quality of AIDS care in the early years of the epidemic. The Laubenstein Award will be presented during the World AIDS Day ceremony in Albany, New York on Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

2011 Linda Laubenstein Award Brochure (Adobe Acrobat)

About the Linda Laubenstein Award

Previous Award Recipients

Photo and Award Brochure Archives

 

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Call for Nominations: SHIN-NY Policy Committee

Posted December 2011

The New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), as the state designated entity for HIE, has been charged with development and operation of the State Health Information network of New York (SHIN-NY). To ensure accountability and trust in the implementation of SHIN-NY, NYeC and New York State Department of Health (SDOH) have established a governance structure that will ensure stakeholder input and transparency throughout the process.

Key to achievement of interoperability at every level of provision is a policy making process that will establish trust in the integrity of the SHIN-NY services and maintain a SHIN-NY statewide collaboration process (SCP). To that end, NYeC will convene a SHIN-NY Policy Committee to further develop New York’s health information technology network and data usage policies. Committee policy recommendations will be brought to the NYeC Board and the SDOH for their consideration as to inclusion in the Statewide Policy Guidance (SPG), submission for regulatory consideration, or potential legislative action.

NYeC and the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors seek candidates for service on this SHIN-NY Policy Committee. The following outlines the SHIN-NY Policy Committee scope of work, work process, and committee member qualifications as well as the nomination process requirements and submission deadlines. We encourage your consideration of candidates that can serve during this important and exciting time for establishing New York’s statewide health information exchange.

SCOPE OF WORK

Members of the SHIN-NY Policy Committee will address key policy areas that have direct impact on implementation of a successful statewide health information exchange. These issues include but are not limited to:

  • Security policies
  • Ongoing alignment with changes in federal or state laws or regulations. Example: impact with the integration of health homes and sharing of Medicaid data
  • Patient access to their personal health information (PHI) in electronic format and/or via patient portal access.
  • SAMHSA-related issues specific to SAMHSA Part 2 and ongoing clarification and harmonization with other federal and state policy work as required
  • Re-disclosure of personal health information.
  • Policies that facilitate secondary uses of data as currently permitted by federal and state law and that follow industry standards.
  • Minor consent that aligns with NY State law.
  • Information sharing with government agencies for different purposes such as public health research, population management, reporting outbreak events, etc.
  • Interstate data sharing agreements with NY State border states to enable care transition services as required.
  • Audit and breach policies

WORK PROCESS

The SHIN-NY Policy Committee will be comprised of policy experts, government policy makers, and informed healthcare professionals from across New York State. The Committee will likely convene for at least two (2) two-hour meetings per month. Additional meetings may be required especially during the initial work of the committee. Special ad hoc subject matter expert groups may be convened by the committee co-chairs in consultation with committee members to address specific issues that may require special technical knowledge, fast turn-around and/or action. Public forums and public comment periods will be used throughout the policy development process to ensure ample opportunities for public input and to optimize transparency. Committee policy priorities and recommendations for statewide policy guidance (SPG) will be reviewed by the Committee Co-Chairs and presented by them to the NYeC Board of Directors and SDOH for ratification and implementation.

MEMBERSHIP COMPOSITION

The SHIN-NY Policy Committee will be reflective of the key policy experts in health information technology and exchange in New York State. Membership is anticipated to include but not be limited to the following experience and expertise:

  • Attorneys and legal policy analysts with expertise in privacy and security issues
  • RHIO/Qualified Entity representatives with policy experience
  • Provider representatives inclusive of privacy and security officers
  • Payer representatives
  • Patient/consumer advocates
  • Health policy experts with understanding of HIE economic and sustainability issues

NOMINATION PROCESS

SHIN-NY Policy Committee Nominations Process: If you are interested, and believe you are qualified for SHIN-NY Policy Committee membership, you should submit your application for consideration to Cynthia Sutliff at csutliff@nyehealth.org on or before Friday, January 13, 2012. Candidate submissions will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee of the NYeC Board and recommendations will be presented to the Board on January 25, 2012 for ratification. Committee members will be announced following final Board approval. Please prepare and submit the following:

  1. A one page statement of interest in serving as a member of the SHIN-NY Policy Committee that highlights your qualifications for this Committee as well as your commitment to the time required of Committee participation.
  2. A copy of your resume.

We look forward to your submissions and to your ongoing participation in the process of establishing a statewide health information exchange in New York that will improve the lives of New Yorkers through better healthcare delivery.

 

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FDA Expands Use of Raltegravir (Isentress) to Treat HIV Infection in Children and Adolescents

Posted January 2012

“Isentress (raltegravir) was approved [on December 21, 2011] by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-1 infection for children and adolescents ages 2-18. …

“Isentress is a pill that can be taken twice daily, with or without food. The pill is also available in a chewable form. Because the two tablet formulations are not interchangeable, the chewable form is only approved for use in children ages 2 to 11.

“A single, multi-center clinical trial of 96 children and adolescents ages 2-18 years with HIV-1 infection evaluated the safety and effectiveness of Isentress. These patients previously received treatment for HIV-1 infection. After 24 weeks of treatment with Isentress, 53 percent of these patients had an undetectable amount of HIV in their blood.”

The updated label will be available at the FDA Web site.

More information is available:

 

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NCHHSTP Releases Atlas: a new tool to create maps, charts, & tables using HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, & TB surveillance data

Posted January 2012

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) released its Atlas, a new tool that will allow users to create maps, charts, and tables using HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB surveillance data.

This new application is a result of NCHHSTP’s commitment to continue to improve access to public health data from across its programs. This increased access will provide public health partners and the public with the opportunity to use data in new and innovative ways. Having these data together in one user-friendly application will help ensure that program collaboration and service integration efforts have a solid foundation in surveillance and data use, which will help maximize the impact of public health programs and support the wise and efficient use of resources.

This current release of the NCHHSTP Atlas presents surveillance data for HIV, AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and primary and secondary syphilis. TB and viral hepatitis surveillance data will be added by mid-year, allowing for more emphasis on mapping, display, and analyses. NCHHSTP also will be expanding its functionality over time to provide more dynamic query functions as well as county-level data.

The Atlas will continue to evolve and expand its functionality for users, providing a broad look at the groups in the United States most affected by NCHHSTP’s focus diseases. The data currently available for HIV/AIDS and STDs will assist community leaders, public health professionals, policymakers, and health care providers better understand trends of these overlapping diseases. Prevention planners will be able to utilize the NCHHSTP Atlas to better determine the most effective, high-impact use of resources and prevention services.

The NCHHSTP Atlas currently includes options to

  • Create interactive maps, tables, pie charts, bar graphs,
  • Allow two-way HIV data stratifications and three-way STD data stratifications,
  • Display data trends over time and patterns across the United States or in specific communities,
  • Download and export data and graphics,
  • Access routinely reported surveillance data through a standardized user interface,
  • View, filter, explore, and extract public health information,
  • Create detailed disease data reports and maps,
  • Submit ad hoc requests for customizable reports, and
  • Receive detailed and complete information on surveillance data footnotes and caveats.

A video tutorial has been recorded and is available at www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/atlas. Please explore the NCHHSTP Atlas and check back for updates. Also, we have set up an e-mail account NCHHSTPatlas@cdc.gov for you to send your questions and feedback.

 

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Dear Colleague Letter: Important Information on Opioid Use Among Adolescent and Young Adults in NYS

Posted December 2011

Dear Colleague:

Recent data indicate that the number of opioid users in New York State continues to grow among young people, one of our most vulnerable populations. The escalating number of adolescents and young adults under age 30 using opioids has been reported by medical providers and substance use treatment facilities (see Attachment #1). Across New York State, acts of violence, injuries, and deaths associated with opioid use have been recently reported in the media. To enable us to mount a cohesive and effective response to this growing crisis, a commitment from all community partners is needed. Given that these are times of limited and dwindling resources, we must also be innovative in identifying new partners, as well as maximizing all existing resources.

Reports indicate that opioid addiction among adolescents and young adults may be driven by early use of prescription medication, notably oxycodone. An inability to obtain prescription medication on an ongoing basis, or to pay the high cost of prescription drugs being sold on the street, may result in youth seeking other more available opioids to satisfy their drug addiction. Unfortunately, heroin is readily available and comparatively less expensive than oxycodone. Most young people initiate heroin use by “snorting” and some will then progress to injecting heroin.

As we well know, injection drug use once drove the HIV epidemic. The success that we have had through harm reduction, syringe exchange, and expanded syringe access programs is laudable. While we can now say that injection drug users have a higher risk of contracting HIV through unprotected sexual contact than by injection, the fate of the emerging population of adolescent and young adult injection drug users is a major concern. Our greatest fear is repeating history. The risk of transmitting blood borne pathogens, particularly HIV and Hepatitis C, is of paramount concern. Public health demands that we respond to this emerging crisis.

I am appealing to all providers funded through the AIDS Institute to reexamine your program(s) and seek opportunities to provide prevention interventions to adolescents and young adults at risk. We must address the needs of youth who may not fully understand the risks of disease transmission and may be too afraid to address their own drug use or to recognize addiction. Community mobilization of government partners, schools, parents and peers is needed to educate youth regarding disease transmission, to promote harm reduction and safer sex practices, and to encourage substance use treatment. In addition, I am asking that you advocate in your community for more substance use treatment options and availability and access to chemical dependency treatment placement. The need for treatment and care for substance-using adolescents and young adults in rural, suburban and urban areas is urgent.

Please work with your contract manager(s) to seek appropriate opportunities to incorporate outreach, prevention and intervention services focused on adolescents and young adults at risk. Attachment #2 provides some initial contacts for further information on referral and resources on addiction. This is an important beginning to initiate a long term strategic plan to respond to this crisis. More work must be done as we seek to further develop a continuum of care for adolescents and young adults in need of our services.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Humberto Cruz
Director
AIDS Institute

 

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Communications Technology in Public Health

Posted January 2012

The AIDS Institute of the New York State Department of Health, in partnership with AIDS.gov, held its second Forum on social media and HIV/STIs – which now qualifies as an annual event — on December 8, 2011.

This year, the Forum “Social Media: Going Viral Against HIV and STIs” was subtitled “Communications Technology in Public Health” since it took a broad view of social media in the context of health communications, focusing on public health messaging and consumer engagement.

To read the full story, please visit AIDS.gov Blog for U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services at http://blog.aids.gov/2012/01/communications-technology-in-public-health.html.

 

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World AIDS Day Announcement Issued by HIVMA

Posted December 2011

HIVMA Chair Judith A. Aberg, MD, FIDSA, issued the following statement on December 1, 2011 in response to President Obama making new commitments to domestic and global AIDS, including putting six million people with HIV on treatment globally by 2013, increasing up to 1.5 million the number of pregnant women with access to HIV treatment, and directing $35 million in new resources to the Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Program and $15 million to Ryan White Part C. Details are available in the White House Fact Sheet: The Beginning of the End of AIDS. Additional World AIDS Day news from HIVMA is available online at www.hivma.org/World_AIDS_Day/.

President Obama Sets Course for Dramatically Reducing the Impact of HIV Disease

Statement from HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) Chair Judith A. Aberg, MD, FIDSA

Today President Obama made a bold and important move in combating HIV disease by announcing a new initiative that commits to putting six million people with HIV on treatment globally by 2013 and investing much needed new resources in HIV care and treatment through the Ryan White Program. The president’s new initiative is a critical step toward achieving the “AIDS-free generation” envisioned last month in a speech by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

We are at a pivotal moment in the HIV pandemic where the science shows a clear path for making serious headway against HIV disease. It is well documented that with early and reliable access to HIV care and treatment, people with HIV disease can lead healthy and productive lives. Findings from the National Institutes of Health HPTN 052 study early this year offered clear evidence that in addition to benefiting the HIV-infected individual, HIV treatment also significantly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV infection.
As we mark World AIDS Day and the 30th year since the first documented AIDS cases, we commend the president, and others, like the New York City Health Department, for advancing a comprehensive, evidence-based response to this deadly disease. New York City announced today a change in policy recommending all patients with HIV be offered treatment regardless of their CD4 count, a standard measure of the strength of the immune system.

We now turn to the U.S. Congress to do their part by ensuring that the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented and funded, investing in HIV care and treatment through the Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Program and Part C, and sustaining funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. We also call on other heads of state around the world to follow the president’s lead by investing in AIDS now to put us firmly on course for the beginning of the end of the AIDS pandemic.

The HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) is the professional home for more than 4,700 physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals dedicated to the field of HIV/AIDS. Nested within the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), HIVMA promotes quality in HIV care and advocates policies that ensure a comprehensive and humane response to the AIDS pandemic informed by science and social justice. For more information, visit www.hivma.org.

Also read the Ryan White Medical Providers Coalition World AIDS Day statement (PDF).

 

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NYCDOHMH Health Bulletin #90: How to Prevent Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Posted December 2011

How to Prevent Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections

In this issue:

  • The best ways to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections:
    • Don’t have sex.
    • If you’re sexually active, use birth control and condoms every time.
  • Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex
    • But you have to act fast.
    • Keep emergency contraception around just in case.

Learn more

Health Bulletin #90 is one in a series on issues of pressing interest to all New Yorkers. All Health Bulletins are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, and many are available in other languages. For copies, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health.

 

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HAB Performance Measures: Release of Viral Load and Revised Hep B Measures

Posted December 2011

Dear Colleague,
The HIV/AIDS Bureau is pleased to announce the release of two new performance measures: 1) viral load monitoring; and 2) viral load suppression. Based on feedback, modifications have also been made to Hepatitis B screening and new questions have been added to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The performance measures and the FAQs can be accessed at: http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/habperformmeasures.html

Grantees are also encouraged to visit the Target Center (http://careacttarget.org/) to view examples of clinical measurement tools that grantees have developed. The HIV/AIDS Bureau continues to be interested in receiving feedback regarding the core clinical performance measures. If you have any materials or information you would like to share in regards to the utility, suggestions for improvement, or examples of how the information has been used, please send an e-mail to HIVmeasures@hrsa.gov.

 

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2010 NIAID Year in Review Includes Summary of HIV/AIDS Research Accomplishments

Posted December 2011

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) recently posted the 2010 NIAID Year in Review on the NIAID Web site. The review describes the Institute’s scientific and programmatic accomplishments in FY 2010 and provides information on the budget for NIAID-supported initiatives and programs.

NIAID HIV/AIDS research activities detailed in the review include the following:

  • New Directions in HIV Prevention: Description of NIAID-sponsored research aimed at preventing HIV infection, including approaches such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), vaccines, and microbicides.
  • Recent Successes in Developing an HIV Vaccine: Summaries of scientific findings resulting from NIAID-supported research into the development of an HIV vaccine.
  • Reducing the Impact of HIV: Information about NIAID’s support for research on eliminating persistent HIV viral reservoirs and extending PrEP research and on a NIAID initiative to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Washington DC.
  • Reducing the Transmission of HIV: Summary of results from the iPrEx study showing that a daily dose of emtricitabine and tenofovir (Truvada) reduced the risk of HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM).

 

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CDC Updates “HIV among Youth” Fact Sheet

Posted December 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the “HIV among Youth” fact sheet. This fact sheet provides information and statistics on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in people 13 to 29 years old. Prevention challenges in this population, including sexual risk factors, substance use, and a lack of awareness are detailed. The fact sheet also includes information on CDC programs and research that focuses on reducing the risk of HIV infection among young people.

 

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Transitional Care for HIV and AIDS from Adolescence to Adulthood Webinar

Posted October 2011

Adolescents and young adults are an increasing proportion of the HIV-infected population. In 2008, 17.6% of new HIV cases in New York State were in the 13- to 24-year-old age group. In addition, more perinatally infected patients have entered this age group. The HIV-infected adolescent population comprises a mixed group of 1) perinatally infected adolescents who are now surviving into adulthood, and 2) behaviorally infected adolescents, most of whom were infected sexually.

As HIV-infected adolescents grow into adulthood, it becomes necessary for them to transfer to adult care settings and take responsibility for their own health and disease management. This broadcast will provide information about the transition process and ways to ensure that HIV-infected adolescents are successfully and seamlessly integrated into adult care settings.

Speaker:
Jeffrey M. Birnbaum, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Executive Director, HEAT Program (Health & Education Alternatives for Teens)

To view the free webinar on Transitional Care for HIV and AIDS from Adolescence to Adulthood, please visit http://www.albany.edu/sph/cphce/phl_1011.shtml. Also available from the University at Albany School of Public Health are links to handouts, continuing education credits, an evaluation, and more.

Related NYS Transitional Care Guidelines and Best Practices:

 

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HANYS Helps Providers Prepare for Launch of New York’s Medicaid Meaningful Use Program

Posted November 2011

HANYS is encouraging hospitals to prepare for the imminent launch of New York State’s Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program. Advance preparation will help ensure providers are ready for the launch and the receipt of their first Medicaid EHR incentive payment. Like the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program will provide payments to eligible providers that achieve and attest to certain standards related to “meaningful use” of EHRs.

New York State will launch the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program by the end of this year. HANYS is working closely with the Department of Health as it tests the Web-based registration and attestation systems all eligible hospitals, physicians, and other health care professionals will need to use to draw down Medicaid incentive payments.

HANYS provided members with details on how to prepare for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, and strongly encourages eligible hospitals, physicians, and other health care professionals to prepare for the program launch, as the required steps in the registration and attestation processes can be time consuming and complex.

The state recently made available resources to assist providers in preparing for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. HANYS strongly encourages members to use these resources:

HANYS also developed resources to help members implement the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, available on HANYS’ Health Reform Navigator Web site. Contact: Susan Van Meter

 

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IOM Recommends Steps to Reduce Patient Safety Risks Associated with HIT

Posted November 2011

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report, Health IT and Patient Safety: Building Safer Systems for Better Care, containing ten recommendations aimed at reducing potential medical errors associated with the use of health information technology (HIT), including electronic health records, secure patient portals, and health information exchanges, but excluding medical device software. If implemented appropriately, HIT can help improve health care providers’ performance, better communication between patients and providers, and enhance patient safety. However, poorly designed HIT can create new hazards in the already complex delivery of care.

The report emphasizes that both public and private entities play a role in mitigating patient safety risks, and that reporting of patient safety events should be voluntary, confidential and non-punitive for health care providers, but obligatory for vendors. The report calls on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that vendors “support the free exchange of information about health IT experiences and issues and not prohibit sharing of such information . . . .”

Significantly, the IOM report also recommends that the HHS Secretary request Congress establish “an independent federal entity for investigating patient safety deaths, serious injuries, or potentially unsafe conditions associated with health IT,” similar in construct to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). As with NTSB, this HIT-related entity would not possess any regulatory authority.

IOM recommended that HHS develop a plan within a year to minimize patient safety risks associated with HIT, monitor progress, develop approaches to compile and address safety concerns, and provide stronger oversight of HIT products. The plan would create a new HIT Safety Council funded by HHS and tasked with evaluating criteria and developing methods for gauging and assessing patient safety related to the use of HIT. The report was commissioned by HHS, and will be sent to the Secretary for review and action. Contact: Chelsi Stevens

 

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NYS Department of Health SPNS: Job Opportunity

Posted November 2011

Dear Colleague,

The New York State (NYS) Department of Health is excited to announce a new employment opportunity to lead the newly funded NYS Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Systems Linkages and Access to Care for Populations at High Risk of HIV Infection Initiative. This senior position, AIDS Program Manager II, will operate in a supervisory role within a groundbreaking SPNS Initiative to innovatively address the problems of linkage and retention. Specifically, the SPNS lead will manage the overall project for the SPNS Systems Linkages and Access to Care Initiative and work with various stakeholders, including the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and representatives from the NYSDOH to engage and strengthen their active participation. We are looking for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, and six years of management experience in public health or related field.

Successful candidates will relocate to the NYSDOH offices in downtown Manhattan, with an immediate start date. We welcome all qualified applicants! See the following job link for more information and to apply, https://careers-healthresearch.icims.com/jobs/intro.

 

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New Funding Available for Next Generation of Health Care Innovations

Posted November 2011

We Can’t Wait: Health Care Innovation Challenge will improve care, save money, focus on health care jobs
New funding available for next generation of health care innovations

WASHINGTON, DC– Up to $1 billion dollars will be awarded to innovative projects across the country that test creative ways to deliver high quality medical care and save money. Launched today by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Care Innovation Challenge will also give preference to projects that rapidly hire, train and deploy health care workers.

“We’ve taken incredible steps to reduce health care costs and improve care, but we can’t wait to do more,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Both public and private community organizations around the country are finding innovative solutions to improve our health care system and the Health Care Innovation Challenge will help jump start these efforts.”

Funded by the Affordable Care Act, the Health Care Innovation Challenge will award grants in March to applicants who will implement the most compelling new ideas to deliver better health, improved care and lower costs to people enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, particularly those with the highest health care needs. The Challenge will support projects that can begin within six months. Additionally, projects that focus on rapid workforce development will be given priority when grants are awarded.

“When I visit communities across the country, I continually see innovative solutions at the very ground level – a large health system working with community partners to decrease the risk of diabetes with nutrition programs or a church group that sends volunteers to help home-bound seniors so they can live at home,” said Donald M. Berwick, M.D., administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “By putting more programs like this in place and more “boots on the ground,” these types of programs can truly transform our health care system.”

Awards will be expected to range from approximately $1 million to $30 million over three years. Applications are open to providers, payers, local government, community-based organizations and particularly to public-private partnerships and multi-payer approaches. Each grantee project will be evaluated and monitored for measurable improvements in quality of care and savings generated.

For more information, including a fact sheet and the Funding Opportunity Announcement, please see the Health Care Innovation Challenge initiative web site at: www.innovation.cms.gov

 

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NYS Meets CDC Goal for Elimination of MTCT in 2010

Posted October 2011

New York State Has Met a CDC Goal for Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in 2010

Once the epicenter of the national pediatric HIV epidemic, New York State met one of the two CDC goals for elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in 2010.

Please click here to download the entire announcement. (Adobe Acrobat)

Related NYS Perinatal Transmission Guidelines:

 

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FDA Updates Raltegravir (Isentress) Label with New Information on Severe Skin and Hypersensitivity Reactions

Posted November 2011

“Updates to the Isentress (raltegravir) package insert were approved on November 2, 2011 to include a new subsection in the Warnings and Precautions section and update the postmaketing experience section. Specifically, the following subsection was added to section 5 Warnings and Precautions:

“5.1 Severe Skin and Hypersensitivity Reactions

“Severe, potentially life-threatening, and fatal skin reactions have been reported. These include cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported and were characterized by rash, constitutional findings, and sometimes, organ dysfunction, including hepatic failure. Discontinue ISENTRESS and other suspect agents immediately if signs or symptoms of severe skin reactions or hypersensitivity reactions develop (including, but not limited to, severe rash or rash accompanied by fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, blisters, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, facial edema, hepatitis, eosinophilia, angioedema). Clinical status including liver aminotransferases should be monitored and appropriate therapy initiated. Delay in stopping ISENTRESS treatment or other suspect agents after the onset of severe rash may result in a life-threatening reaction.

“In Section 6 Adverse Reactions, subsection 6.2 Postmarketing Experience, cerebellar ataxia and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms was added.

“The Patient Counseling Information section and the patient labeling was also revised to incorporate these changes.”

The updated label will be available at the FDA Web site.

More information is available:

 

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CDC HIV Mobile App Grant Opportunity Announced

Posted November 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced the following grant opportunity:

Formative Research on Use of Mobile Applications (“app”) to Increase HIV Testing Behavior and HIV Prevention with Positive Persons [RFA-PS-12-001]

“The purpose of this funding announcement is to fund one applicant to conduct formative research to understand the needs, barriers, and facilitators of using mobile phone applications (‘apps’) for HIV prevention. Findings from this project will be used by the CDC to develop future HIV prevention mobile apps to support public health.”

For more information, view the grant announcement at Grants.gov.

 

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AIDSinfo Health Education Materials Include Fact Sheets on HIV and Its Treatment

Posted November 2011

HIV and Its Treatment is a series of easy-to-understand fact sheets intended for people living with HIV and their family members and friends. We recently reviewed the series to ensure that the information provided reflects the latest updates to the Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. Emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Complera), a new fixed-dose combination medication, was added to the fact sheet that lists FDA-approved antiretroviral medications.

The fact sheets are available on the AIDSinfo Web site in printer-friendly formats. To order the HIV and Its Treatment fact sheet series, contact the AIDSinfo call center by e-mail (ContactUs@aidsinfo.nih.gov).

 

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CDC Updates Three Fact Sheets

Posted November 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the following three fact sheets:

  • HIV among African Americans: This fact sheet provides information and statistics on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS among African Americans. Prevention challenges in this population and CDC prevention programs that target African-American communities are also detailed.

  • HIV among Latinos: This fact sheet provides information and statistics on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS among Latinos. Prevention challenges in Latino communities and CDC research programs that target the Latino population are also detailed.

  • HIV in the United States: This fact sheet provides information and statistics on HIV infection in the United States, broken down by risk group and race/ethnicity.

 

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New Edition of AIDSinfo Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms Now Available

Posted November 2011

The English-language 7th edition of the AIDSinfo Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms is now available on the AIDSinfo Web site and for ordering. The glossary provides a comprehensive guide to the vocabulary used to describe HIV/AIDS, including its treatment, prevention, and ongoing research.

To order copies of the glossary, contact the AIDSinfo call center by e-mail (ContactUs@aidsinfo.nih.gov), phone (1-800-448-0440), or Live Chat.

 

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Women’s Health Issues Supplement Showcases Gender-Responsive National HIV/AIDS Programming for U.S. Women and Girls

Posted November 2011

A just-released special supplement to the journal Women’s Health Issues provides in-depth information about gender-specific health considerations of U.S. women and girls in the HIV/AIDS epidemic and recommendations for national strategic programmatic improvements to meet their needs.

For more information, please visit http://blog.aids.gov/2011/11/women%e2%80%99s-health-issues-supplement-showcases-gender-responsive-national-hivaids-programming-for-u-s-women-and-girls.html

 

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FDA Launches Web Site with Information on Safe Disposal of Needles and Other Medical Sharps

Posted November 2011

“FDA launched a new website, Needles and Other Sharps (Safe Disposal Outside of Health Care Settings), for patients and caregivers on the safe disposal of needles and other so-called ‘sharps’ that are used at home, at work and while traveling.

“HIV infected patients may receive injectable medications such as Fuzeon for treatment of HIV infection or may use different injectable medications for other medical reasons.

“The website is intended to help people understand the public health risks created by improperly disposing of used sharps and how users should safely dispose of them.

“Sharps is a term for medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut the skin. Such medical devices include hypodermic needles and syringes used to administer medication, such as Fuzeon; lancets or fingerstick devices to collect blood for testing, etc.

“After being used, many sharps end up in home and public trash cans or flushed down toilets. This kind of improper disposal puts people, such as sanitation workers, sewage treatment workers, janitors, housekeepers, family members and children at risk for needle stick injuries or infection with viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). …

“For additional information please see:
Improperly Discarded Sharps Can Be Dangerous (Consumer Update)”

More information is available:

 

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HIV/AIDS Clinical Education - New Courses & Content

Posted September 2011

New Online CME Material Available!
The Clinical Education Initiative is pleased to announce the availability of new courses. Our courses are free and can be taken online at any time.

  • Preconception and Prenatal Care for the HIV Positive Woman

Visit http://www.ceitraining.org/cme/ today to signup for CME training opportunities.

New Learning Material

  • HCV Treatment Update
  • Aspects of the HIV/AIDS Epidemiology
  • Preconception and Prenatal Care for the HIV Positive Woman

Visit http://www.ceitraining.org/resources/audio-video.cfm for a full list of our learning material.

 

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NQC e-Newsletter October 2011

Posted October 2011

The National Quality Center is having a very busy month and we hope you participate in some of these opportunities. Everything from the Training of Quality Leaders to the in+care Campaign is a chance to take advantage of NQC’s no-cost offerings.

To view the complete October 2011 NQC e-Newsletter, please click here.

For more information, please visit the NQC website at http://www.nationalqualitycenter.org/

 

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in+care Campaign

Posted August 2011

The in+care Campaign has been launched! The Campaign is sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau with the support of the National Quality Center. The goal of this national quality improvement effort is to improve patient retention in HIV primary care.

This free and voluntary Campaign aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, involves Ryan White grantees across all funding streams, and links participants to leading retention and quality improvement experts. It promises to have an impact on patient lives.

Sign-up and join our efforts to retain patients in HIV care and prevent them from falling out of care.

in-care Campaign
This national Campaign is a 12-month long quality improvement initiative focusing on retaining patients in HIV care and preventing them from falling out of care. Grantees across the country and across all Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Parts are invited to participate.

Expectations for Participation
Ryan White grantees and subproviders are eligible to join:

  • participating Ryan White providers enroll for a 12-month commitment
  • reporting up to 4 uniform campaign-related measures via an online database every other month
  • implementation of improvement activities to retain patients in HIV care and prevent patients from falling out of HIV care
  • routine sharing of updates to highlight improvement strategies and challenges
  • participation in monthly conference calls/webinars to provide content expertise and promote peer sharing and learning
  • where possible, join regional/local face-to-face meetings of peer campaign participants

Sign Up
If you’re looking for ways to impact the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS in your community, join us.

Join our Campaign | Sign up today

For more information please visit the Campaign’s website at http://www.incarecampaign.org/

 

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Multiple Copies of the 6th Edition AIDSinfo Glossary Now Available

Posted October 2011

The Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms, which provides definitions for more than 600 terms, is one of the most popular AIDSinfo publications. AIDSinfo has extra copies of the current 6th edition of the glossary and is making them available for ordering in large quantities. The glossaries are provided and shipped anywhere in the United States free of charge.

This ordering opportunity is being made available in anticipation of the upcoming release of the 7th edition of the Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms. Details about the publication of the updated glossary will be available soon.

Please contact the AIDSinfo call center by e-mail (contactus@aidsinfo.nih.gov), phone (1-800-448-0440), or Live Chat to order multiple copies of the current English and Spanish 6th edition.

 

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New AIDSinfo Brochure Now Available

Posted October 2011

AIDSinfo has created a new brochure that highlights our features and services. It includes the following:

  • Information about key AIDSinfo resources, including the Clinical Guidelines, Clinical Trials Search, Drug Database, Health Topics, and HIV/AIDS Glossary
  • Information about AIDSinfo mobile resources and social media tools, such as Facebook and Twitter
  • A quick response (QR) code that can be scanned with your Smartphone to directly access the AIDSinfo mobile site

Visit our Order Publications page to request a hard copy of the brochure. Please contact the AIDSinfo call center by e-mail (contactus@aidsinfo.nih.gov), phone (1-800-448-0440), or Live Chat to order multiple copies of the brochure.

 

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Updated HHS Adult and Adolescent Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines Focus on Options for Initial Therapy

Posted October 2011

Revisions to the Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents focus on additions and changes to recommendations for initial therapy for the antiretroviral (ARV)-naïve patient. Key changes to the What to Start recommendations include the following:

  • Addition of the recently approved ARV rilpivirine as an alternative option for treatment-naïve patients
  • Reclassification of several regimens—for example from “alternative regimen” to “acceptable regimen”
  • Removal of some protease inhibitor (PI) and dual-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) options for initial therapy

Tables in the guidelines were also updated to reflect changes to the What to Start recommendations.

For a complete preview of key updates to the guidelines, please see What’s New in the Guidelines?

 

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NYC Health Department Promotes Testing and Awareness on National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

September 2011

Community Forum Highlights New Biomedical Approaches to Interrupt HIV Transmission Among City’s Most Heavily Impacted Population

As part of National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Health Department urges all gay men and other at-risk New Yorkers to use condoms and to get tested for HIV. Between 2002 and 2009, new diagnoses of HIV declined by 28 percent in New York City. However, the gay community and other men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be the most severely impacted. Founded in 2008 by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA), this day aims to raise awareness among gay men and other MSM to prevent new infections and lead healthier lives.

Learn more

 

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Fall 2011 Issue of mental health AIDS Now Available

September 2011

The quarterly biopsychosocial research update on HIV and mental health, mental health AIDS, is sponsored by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is disseminated free of charge through the SAMHSA Web site.

The Fall 2011 issue features an article titled, “Positively Golden: Advances in Aging with HIV (Part 2).”

Part 1 of this series highlighted recent research findings on medical and neurocognitive concerns associated with HIV and aging. A characterization of “successful cognitive aging” with HIV was presented, as were performance-based measures to identify functional impairment attributable to aging and HIV and cognitive remediation strategies for use with people who exhibit cognitive decline while aging with HIV.

This concluding segment first describes a “positive aging” framework not specific to HIV infection; a strengths-based model of coping, along with three meaning-centered strategies grounded within this model: gratitude, forgiveness, and altruism; and then the infusion of “positive aging” concepts into qualitative and quantitative research on adults aging with HIV infection. The article also discusses the first controlled clinical trial to assess if an age-appropriate, coping improvement group intervention could benefit older adults living with HIV/AIDS who have depressive symptoms.

More information is available:

 

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AIDS Vaccine 2011 Post Conference Information

September 2011

The following are the links to all of the webcasts, posters, and abstracts from the AIDS Vaccine 2011 conference held in September in Bangkok, Thailand.

WEBCASTING
Conference webcasts are now available. Click here to view the special session, opening session, plenaries and press conference webcasts.

NEW FEATURE: ePOSTERS
Poster presentations are available online. Click here to view the poster presentations by topic.

ABSTRACTS AVAILABLE IN AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES (ARHR)
All abstracts have been published as an open-access, online supplement in ARHR. To download the conference abstracts, please click here (Adobe Acrobat).

PLAN TO ATTEND
AIDS Vaccine 2012 will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA the 9 – 12 September 2012. We hope to see you there!

 

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Updated HHS Perinatal Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines

September 2011

AIDSinfo announces the release of the updated Recommendations for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Pregnant HIV-1-Infected Women for Maternal Health and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal HIV Transmission in the United States (Adobe Acrobat). Key updates and new information included in the guidelines are prefaced in What’s New in the Guidelines. Additions and revisions are also highlighted in yellow throughout the text and tables of the guidelines.

To view or download the guidelines, go to the Perinatal Guidelines section of AIDSinfo.

 

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“Drugs That Fight HIV” Poster Features Images of Antiretroviral Medications

August 2011

To help clinicians and patients better identify the many medications available to treat HIV infection, NIAID recently published a poster titled “Drugs That Fight HIV” (Adobe Acrobat). The poster features images of FDA-approved antiretroviral medications, grouped by drug class and clearly identified by both generic and trade names. Intended as a tool for health care professionals to use when discussing HIV treatment with patients, the poster is also available in brochure format in English (Adobe Acrobat)and Spanish (Adobe Acrobat).

Please note that the new antiretroviral medications rilpivirine (Edurant) and the fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir DF (Complera) were approved by the FDA subsequent to publication of these NIAID educational materials. Hence the poster does not include an image and accompanying information on Complera, and the brochures do not include images of Complera or rilpivirine.

AIDSinfo drug summaries have been updated with the images featured in the NIAID educational materials as well as images of the newly approved drugs rilpivirine and Complera. Visit the AIDSinfo drug database to view the images.

 

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FDA Approves Emtricitabine/Rilpivirine/Tenofovir DF (Complera) for the Treatment of HIV in Treatment-Naive Adults

August 2011

“On August 10, 2011, FDA approved Complera™, a fixed dose combination (FDC) drug product containing emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir DF (FTC/RPV/TDF) for the treatment of HIV. The recommended dose of Complera™ is one tablet, containing 200mg/25mg/300mg of FTC/RPV/TDF, once daily, taken orally with a meal. …

“Emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir DF FDC is indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV 1) infection in antiretroviral treatment naïve adult patients … .

“Emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir DF FDC is a complete regimen for treatment of HIV infection in treatment naïve patients because it contains a Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI) (rilpivirine) and 2 Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) (emtricitabine and tenofovir DF).

“The following points should be considered when initiating therapy with emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir DF FDC:

  • “More rilpivirine treated subjects with HIV-1 RNA greater than 100,000 copies/mL at the start of therapy experienced virologic failure compared to subjects with HIV-1 RNA less than 100,000 copies/mL at the start of therapy
  • “The observed virologic failure rate in rilpivirine treated subjects conferred a higher rate of overall treatment resistance and cross-resistance to the NNRTI class compared to efavirenz
  • “More subjects treated with rilpivirine developed lamivudine/emtricitabine associated resistance compared to efavirenz …

“Safety and effectiveness of emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir DF FDC have not been established in pediatric patients.”

The label will be available at the FDA Web site.

More information is available:
• FDA: Press release
• AIDSinfo: Drug database

 

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Updated HHS Pediatric Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines

August 2011

AIDSinfo announces the release of the updated What’s New in the Guidelines. Additions and revisions are also highlighted in yellow throughout the text and tables of the guidelines.

Selected key updates to the guidelines include:

  • Revised recommendations in When to Initiate Therapy including an update increasing the CD4 threshold for recommending antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children with minimal or no clinical symptoms who are 5 years or older (from CD4 count <350 cells per mm3 to <500 cells per mm3).
  • Updates in What Drugs to Start including a general discussion of factors to consider when selecting an initial antiretroviral (ARV) regimen for children and a specific discussion regarding choice of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)- versus protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen, including citations providing recent results from pediatric clinical trials. Updated guidance on preferred regimens for initial therapy in children include a recommendation for lopinavir/ritonavir-based therapy as the preferred initial therapy regimen for children younger than 3 years and the addition of atazanavir/ritonavir as a preferred nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) for children age 6 years or older.
  • Addition of new sections on central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, gastrointestinal (GI) effects, nephrotoxicity, and peripheral nervous system toxicity to the tables on Antiretroviral Therapy-Associated Adverse Effects and Management Recommendations.
  • Addition of new section on management of children with ongoing adherence problems as the reason for viral failure in Antiretroviral Treatment Failure and discussion of the option for use of lamivudine or emtricitabine alone as an interim “bridging regimen” in the special circumstance of children with treatment failure associated with drug resistance and persistent nonadherence.
  • Reorganization of the Pediatric Antiretroviral Drug Information appendix to improve readability and addition of updated data for specific drugs.

For a complete preview of key updates to the guidelines, see What’s New in the Guidelines.

To view or download the guidelines, go to the Pediatric Guidelines section of AIDSinfo. (Separate PDF files of the tables can also be downloaded from the page.) Or go to the AIDSinfo Order Publications page to request the guidelines via e-mail.

 

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Medicaid Managed Care Enrollment: Upcoming Conference Call on the October 1, 2011 Changes

August 2011

In response to several requests to provide additional information on expansion of Medicaid managed care to PLWHA outside of NYC we are offering a one hour conference call to update you and your staff on October 1 changes and to respond to questions you may have.

This change will begin October 1, 2011 and Medicaid consumers in mandatory counties will be asked to choose a plan during the next several months. These Managed Care conference calls, conducted by AIDS Institute staff are open to agency staff that interact with Medicaid consumers who will be impacted by this change.

Please send questions in advance to hivpcmp@health.state.ny.us. If you haven’t already, view the June 16 webcast at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/managed_care/living_with_hiv/webcast_june11.htm. You may have questions once you view this or have your questions answered as a result.

The conference call is scheduled for:
Tuesday, September 13, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am ET

Call-in information:
1-866-394-2346
Conference code# 6847838200

 

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Updated HHS “Guidance for Non-HIV-Specialized Providers Caring for HIV-Infected Residents Displaced from Disaster Areas” Now Available

August 2011

AIDSinfo announces an update to the “Guidance for Non-HIV-Specialized Providers Caring for HIV-Infected Residents Displaced from Disaster Areas.”

The updated guidance offers health care providers recommendations on providing care to newly displaced HIV-infected adults, children, and pregnant women who have yet to secure care in the areas where they have relocated.

The guidance includes information on initial assessment of the displaced HIV-infected patient and on general strategies for medication management of the patient, including specific guidance on antiretroviral therapy, care for HIV-infected pregnant women, on prophylaxis for opportunistic infections (OIs), and on vaccinations in the setting of HIV infection.

Additional information is available:

 

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HIV Specialist Expert Panel Report Release

October 2008

It is with pleasure that the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Office of the Medical Director announces the release of the final report from the Expert Panel meeting that was held on March 12, 2008. This panel was convened in order to reexamine the policy issues of defining HIV Specialists for New York State. The final report includes the background literature synthesis distributed at the meeting, meeting presentations, and a summary of the discussion. The HIV Specialist Report can now be accessed and downloaded by clicking here.

 

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CDC Updates “HIV among Women” Fact Sheet

August 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the “HIV among Women” fact sheet. This fact sheet provides information and statistics on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in women. Prevention challenges and CDC programs that focus on women living with HIV/AIDS and women at risk for HIV infection are also detailed.

 

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CDC Updates “HIV among Transgender People” Fact Sheet

August 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the “HIV among Transgender People” fact sheet. This fact sheet provides information and statistics on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in transgender people. Prevention challenges and CDC programs that focus on transgender people living with HIV/AIDS and transgender people at risk for HIV infection are also detailed.

 

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Affordable Care Act Ensures Women Receive HIV Screening at No Additional Cost

August 2011

“Historic new guidelines that will ensure women receive preventive health services at no additional cost were announced … by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Developed by the independent Institute of Medicine, the new guidelines require new health insurance plans to cover women’s preventive services such as well-woman visits, breastfeeding support, domestic violence screening, and contraception without charging a co-payment, co-insurance or a deductible. …

“Last summer, HHS released new insurance market rules under the Affordable Care Act requiring all new private health plans to cover several evidence-based preventive services like mammograms, colonoscopies, blood pressure checks, and childhood immunizations without charging a copayment, deductible or coinsurance. …

“[The] announcement builds on that progress by making sure women have access to a full range of recommended preventive services without cost sharing, including: …

  • sexually-transmitted infection counseling;
  • human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling; …

“New health plans will need to include these services without cost sharing for insurance policies with plan years beginning on or after August 1, 2012. …

“For more information on the HHS guidelines for expanding women’s preventive services, please visit: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/womensprevention08012011a.html. The guidelines can be found at: www.hrsa.gov/womensguidelines/.

“To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, please visit www.healthcare.gov.”
More information is available:

 

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CDC Publishes Statistics on Annual Number of New HIV Infections in the United States from 2006 to 2009

August 2011

“The CDC’s first multi-year estimates from its national HIV incidence surveillance find that overall, the annual number of new HIV infections in the United States was relatively stable at approximately 50,000 new infections each year between 2006 and 2009. However, HIV infections increased among young men who have sex with men (MSM) between 2006 and 2009, driven by alarming increases among young, black MSM – the only subpopulation to experience a sustained increase during the time period.

“The new estimates were published … in the online scientific journal PLoS ONE. …

“Men who have sex with men remain the group most heavily affected by new HIV infections. While CDC estimates that MSM represent only 2 percent of the U.S. population, they accounted for the majority (61 percent; 29,300) of all new HIV infections in 2009. Young MSM (ages 13 to 29) were most severely affected, representing more than one quarter of all new HIV infections nationally (27 percent; 12,900 in 2009). …

“The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to exact a heavy toll on communities of color. While blacks represent 14 percent of the total U.S. population, the new estimates find that they accounted for 44 percent of new HIV infections in 2009. …

“Hispanics represent approximately 16 percent of the total U.S. population, but accounted for 20 percent of new HIV infections in 2009. …

“Announced by White House officials in July 2010, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy seeks to reduce HIV incidence in the United States and prioritizes HIV prevention efforts in the populations where HIV is most heavily concentrated – gay and bisexual men of all races, African Americans and Latinos. …

“New biomedical tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for MSM and heterosexual men and women, along with expanded testing, treatment and linkage to care, could have an important impact on infection rates, if used strategically and in combination with other proven prevention strategies.”

More information is available:

 

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Research Suggests PrEP Can Reduce Risk of Acquiring HIV Infection Among Heterosexual People

July 2011

“A new CDC study called the TDF2 study, along with a separate trial, provide the first evidence that a daily oral dose of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection can reduce HIV acquisition among uninfected individuals exposed to the virus through heterosexual sex.

“The CDC TDF2 study, conducted in partnership with the Botswana Ministry of Health, found that a once-daily tablet containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF/FTC, known by the brand name Truvada) reduced the risk of acquiring HIV infection by roughly 63 percent overall in the study population of uninfected heterosexual men and women. The strategy of providing daily oral antiretroviral drugs to uninfected individuals prior to HIV exposure is called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.

“In a separate announcement, the University of Washington (UW) released preliminary results of the Partners PrEP study, which also found that daily PrEP reduced HIV transmission among heterosexual couples in Kenya and Uganda. … The Partners PrEP study found that two separate antiretroviral regimens – tenofovir (known by the brand name Viread) and TDF/FTC – significantly reduced HIV transmission among serodiscordant couples, in which one partner is infected with HIV and the other is not. …

“In the wake of today’s announcements, CDC will fully review the data from all of the heterosexual trials and will begin working with a range of stakeholders and with established guidelines development working groups to develop guidance specific to the use of PrEP among heterosexual men and women in the United States. …

“For more information on efforts to evaluate and plan for PrEP implementation in the United States, visit www.cdc.gov/hiv/prep.

“For a complete list of PrEP trials being conducted, see http://www.avac.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/3113.”

More information is available:

 

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NIH Announces New Funding for HIV Research

July 2011

“Three research teams focused on developing strategies that could help to rid the body of HIV are receiving grants totaling more than $14 million a year, for up to five years, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health announced.

“The grants are part of the Martin Delaney Collaboratory, a funding opportunity designed to foster public-private partnerships to accelerate progress toward an HIV cure. Delaney, an influential AIDS activist, died of liver cancer in 2009.

“Although antiretroviral therapy enables many people infected with HIV to effectively control their virus levels and thereby stay relatively healthy, some virus remains hidden in a latent or persistent form in cells and tissues where it is not susceptible to antiretrovirals. Each research team will pursue a unique and complementary approach aimed at eradicating these remaining HIV reservoirs. …

“The research teams receiving the grants include the following:

“Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) in Seattle, working with Sangamo Biosciences Inc., a biopharmaceutical company based in Richmond, Calif. — … scientists will attempt to develop proteins that directly attack HIV reservoirs, and they also will study whether a patient’s immune cells can be made resistant to the virus. These approaches for eliminating the viral reservoirs will be further tested in a preclinical model. …

“University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), working with Merck Research Laboratories, headquartered in Whitehouse Station, N.J. — … The researchers aim to enhance the understanding of how HIV persists in patients on antiretroviral therapy, and to develop small-molecule drug candidates and other therapies to target the viral reservoirs. …

“University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida (VGTI) in Port St. Lucie, Fla., also working with Merck Research Laboratories — … The researchers seek to define the nature and location of the cells where HIV hides, better understand the immunology of how these viral reservoirs are created and maintained, and develop and test targeted treatments that eliminate HIV reservoirs without broadly activating the immune system.”

More information is available:

 

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CDC Updates “Pediatric HIV Surveillance” and “HIV Surveillance in Urban and Nonurban Areas” Slide Sets

July 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated two slide sets with information from the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report. The “Pediatric HIV Surveillance” slide set provides information on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in children younger than 13 years old in the United States and dependent areas, including breakdowns of diagnoses by race/ethnicity, age group, and geographic region. The “HIV Surveillance in Urban and Nonurban Areas” slide set provides information on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in urban and nonurban areas in the United States, including breakdowns of diagnoses by race/ethnicity, age group, and transmission category.

 

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IAS 2011 Concludes

July 2011

The 6th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention was held in Rome, Italy, from July 17 to July 20, 2011. Scientists, clinicians, public health experts, and community leaders convened to discuss the latest in HIV/AIDS-related research and to increase public awareness of how new scientific advances will impact the global response to HIV. The entire IAS program is available online through Programme-at-a-Glance, a searchable database that includes all sessions, abstracts, slide sets with audio, reports, and e-posters.

 

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NYSDOH RFA for Physician Practice Support Program: Rolling Applications Starting June 14, 2011

June 2011

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has released a request for applications (RFA) for its Physician Practice Support (PPS) program, a component of New York’s Doctors Across New York (DANY) initiative. The total funding under this cycle of the PPS program is $7.2 million. One-third of PPS funding must be used for New York City and two-thirds for the rest of the State. DOH will accept applications on a rolling basis from June 14, 2011 until March 30, 2012 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. The RFA can be accessed by logging onto http://www.health.state.ny.us/funding/rfa/1103141142/index.htm.

Hospitals and other DOH-licensed health care facilities are eligible to apply, as are medical practices and individual physicians. The PPS program provides up to $100,000 in funding over a two-year period. Individual physician applicants can apply for funding to support the costs of establishing or joining a practice, or to repay educational loans. Hospitals and other health care providers can apply for funding to use for sign-on bonuses, income guarantees, or other financial incentives, including the repayment of educational loans.

In return for the funding, the physician will incur a service obligation to provide patient care services in an underserved community in New York. Eligible underserved areas include specific New York towns and counties as well as areas separately defined for particular specialties. The applicable towns and counties, and areas with shortages of particular specialists, are virtually all outside the downstate New York region. The definition of “service to an underserved area” for the PPS program specifies that the facility or practice in which the physician delivers services must be within five miles (New York City) or 20 miles (rest of State) of the center of the applicable area. In order to qualify, the facility or practice must also demonstrate that it serves a predominantly underserved population.

Please contact Anu Ashok at aashok@gnyha.org if you have questions about the PPS program.

 

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June 2011 HEALTHQUAL Update

June 2011

The 2011 All Country Learning Network story board competition continues here in the June 2011 HEALTHQUAL Update.

To view previous HEALTHQUAL Updates, please visit: http://www.hivguidelines.org/quality-of-care/healthqual-international/updates/.

 

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2011 All-Country Learning Network Proceedings

June 2011

It is with pleasure that we present the official Proceedings from the 2011 All Country Learning Network. This extensive document catalogues the innovative and dynamic work taking place across HEALTHQUAL implementing countries, which is captured here in plenary presentations, country presentations and Open Space session notes.

We hope the Proceedings serves both as a helpful resource and a reflection of the global effort to build sustainable national quality management programs.

This Proceedings includes presentations from Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, Uganda, Kenya, Guyana, Nigeria, Namibia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Haiti, Thailand, CDC Atlanta and the Health Resources and Services Administration, as well as plenary slides and Open Space session notes.

To download the complete document, with images, please visit the HEALTHQUAL website at: http://www.healthqual.org/index.cfm/22/10490

To view previous HEALTHQUAL ACLN Updates, please visit: http://www.hivguidelines.org/quality-of-care/healthqual-international/all-country-learning-network/.

 

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Enhanced Comprehensive HIV Prevention Planning (ECHPP) Project

July 2011

The Enhanced Comprehensive HIV Prevention Planning (ECHPP) Project is a 3-year demonstration project funded by CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) for the 12 municipalities with the highest number of people living with AIDS in the United States. As part of the response to the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), the ECHPP project supports the 12 Cities Project which is directed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These two projects directly support NHAS goals by improving program planning and implementation to:

  • Reduce new HIV infections
  • Link people with HIV to care and treatment and improve health outcomes,
  • Reduce HIV-related health disparities, and
  • Achieve a more coordinated national response to the HIV epidemic in the United States.

Lessons learned from ECHPP will inform how CDC can best work with health departments, other US government agencies and communities to reach the NHAS goals across the country.

For more information, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/nhas/echpp/

 

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NYeC Digital Health Conference: Call for Speakers

July 2011

Call for SPEAKERS

The New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC) will hold its Digital Health Conference December 1-2, 2011 in New York City at Pier Sixty on the Chelsea waterfront. The event—the first of its kind in New York City—will educate and bring together health information technology (HIT) stakeholders including: providers of all types, the public sector, private industry, health plans, and hospital administration. This conference will showcase the latest technologies, celebrate achievements, inspire collaboration, and advance healthcare innovation.

Conference Details for Speakers

NYeC is seeking special session proposals that showcase HIT innovations, use case studies and/or evidence of empirical findings, explore new information technology tools and perspectives, suggest practical applications of existing technologies, and/or highlight advances in healthcare due to the use of HIT.

The conference is organized around four tracks: Chronic Disease, Hospitals, Primary Care, and Health and Wellness. These sessions may take the form of a traditional presentation with a discussion, an interactive panel discussion with a moderator, a technological demonstration, or any other type of interactive/creative display.

Description of Track Scopes

  • Innovations in the Inpatient Setting: How real-world, practical accomplishments in care coordination, outcomes improvement, workflow efficiencies and administrative effectiveness are improving care in hospitals.
  • Advances in the Delivery of Primary Care: How new technologies are improving the safety, quality and cost-effectiveness of the delivery of primary care. Innovations will include patient engagement, improving practice workflow and integration of devices.
  • Chronic Care Management: Showcase new technologies such as Telehealth, wireless health technologies, disease management programs, medication adherence programs and ways to better care for chronic patients including the needs of caregivers and the aging.
  • Health & Wellness: Showcase patient, employee and consumer programs that are using digital technologies to help individuals maintain active and healthy lives.

Submission Information

The deadline for all papers and proposals is 11:00 pm ET July 29, 2011.

For more information and to download a speaker application form, visit www.digitalhealthconference.com

 

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HIV/AIDS Clinical Education - New CME Courses Available

June 2011

The Clinical Education Initiative is pleased to announce the availability of four new courses. Each course is free and can be taken online at any time.

  • Identifying Adherence Barriers and Drug-Drug Interactions
  • Vitamin D Deficiency in the HIV-infected Patient
  • Prevention With Positives: Young MSM
  • Management of Alcohol Use in HIV Patients

Visit http://www.ceitraining.org/cme/ today to signup for these training opportunities.

 

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AIDSinfo Health Education Series “HIV and Its Treatment” Updated

July 2011

AIDSinfo has updated and redesigned “HIV and Its Treatment,” a series of easy-to-understand fact sheets intended for people living with HIV and their family members and friends.

The series was updated based on the current Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents and includes information about HIV testing, anti-HIV medications and recommended treatment regimens, the importance of treatment adherence, HIV coinfections, and the prevention of HIV transmission.

 

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WHO HIV Guidelines on MSM and Transgender People

June 2011

The World Health Organization and partners release new public health recommendations to help policymakers and doctors scale up access to treatment and prevention services for HIV and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and transgender people. These are the first global public health guidelines to focus on these specific population groups.

For more information, please visit the WHO website at: http://www.who.int/hiv/en/

To download a PDF of the publication, please click here.

 

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Summer 2011 Issue of mental health AIDS

June 2011

The quarterly biopsychosocial research update on HIV and mental health, mental health AIDS, is sponsored by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is disseminated free of charge through the SAMHSA Web site.

The Summer 2011 issue features an article titled, “Positively Golden: Advances in Aging with HIV (Part 1)”

Although it is estimated that by 2015, about half of the adults living with HIV in the U.S. will be 50 years of age or older, and many older adults living with HIV experience depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, HIV-related stigma, and a variety of comorbid health conditions, mental health interventions that have been tailored specifically for this population are essentially nonexistent.

This is the first of a two-part series. Part 1 highlights recent research findings on medical and neurocognitive concerns associated with HIV and aging. A characterization of “successful cognitive aging” with HIV is presented, as are performance-based measures to identify functional impairment attributable to aging and HIV, and cognitive remediation strategies for use with clients who exhibit cognitive decline while aging with HIV.

More information is available:

 

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CDC Updates Slide Sets on “HIV Surveillance in Adolescents and Young Adults” and “AIDS Trends”

July 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated two slide sets with information from the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report. The “HIV Surveillance in Adolescents and Young Adults” slide set provides information on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in adolescents and young adults in the United States and dependent areas, including breakdowns of diagnoses by race/ethnicity, age group, transmission category, and geographic region. The “AIDS Trends” slide set provides information on overall diagnoses of AIDS in the United States and dependent areas and also includes detailed breakdowns of diagnoses by race/ethnicity and transmission category.

 

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FDA Approves Two New Drugs for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C

May 2011

FDA Approves IncivekTM (telaprevir) and VictrelisTM (boceprevir) for Hepatitis C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Incivek (telaprevir) to treat certain adults with chronic hepatitis C infection. Incivek is used for patients who have either not received interferon-based drug therapy for their infection or who have not responded adequately to prior therapies. Incivek is approved for use with interferon therapy made up of peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.

The current standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C infection is peginterferon alfa and ribavirin taken for 48 weeks. Less than 50 percent of patients respond to this therapy.

Incivek is a tablet taken three times a day with food. Incivek should be taken for the first 12 weeks in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. Most people with a good early response to the Incivek combination regimen can be treated for 24 weeks rather than the recommended 48 weeks of treatment with the standard of care. Incivek is part of a class of drugs referred to as protease inhibitors, which work by binding to the virus and preventing it from multiplying.

INCIVEK (750 mg) is given as two 375-mg tablets three times daily for 12 weeks. It is packaged in weekly boxes that include daily blister strips to help patients keep track of their doses.

More information about Incivek is available at the FDA website:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm256299.htm

Prescribing information for Incivek (telaprevir) is available at:
http://pi.vrtx.com/files/uspi_telaprevir.pdf

Earlier this month, the FDA approved Victrelis (boceprevir), another new treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Victrelis is used for patients who still have some liver function, and who either have not been previously treated with drug therapy for their hepatitis C or who have failed such treatment. Victrelis is approved for use in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.

More information about Victrelis is available at the FDA website:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm255390.htm

Prescribing information for Victrelis (boceprevir) is available at:
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/v/victrelis/victrelis_pi.pdf

 

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FDA Approves Rilpivirine (Edurant) for Treatment of HIV in Treatment-Naïve Patients

May 2011

The FDA approved Edurant (rilpivirine) 25 mg tablets, a new non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) for the treatment of HIV. Rilpivirine is an antiviral drug that helps to block reverse transcriptase, an enzyme necessary for HIV replication. The recommended dose of rilpivirine is one 25 mg tablet once daily taken orally with a meal.

Prescribing information for Edurant is available at:

http://www.tibotectherapeutics.com/sites/default/files/downloads/pdf/EDURANT-PI.pdf

 

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Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) Law

May 2011

Dear Colleague Letter: Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) Law

The New York City and New York State Commissioners of Health released a Dear Colleague Letter in March 2011, introducing the practice of Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for Chlamydia, referencing the EPT law and regulations.

The EPT law aims to facilitate treatment of sex partners to persons infected with Chlamydia. Under NY State Law, healthcare providers may provide or prescribe Chlamydia treatment for sex partners to a Chlamydia-infected patient, without having examined those sex partners, and may prescribe medication to treat partners for Chlamydial infection without patient name, address, or date of birth; NY State pharmacists may fill prescriptions for Chlamydia treatment without that information.

The EPT law and accompanying regulations may be found on the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and NY State Department of Health websites dedicated to EPT:

The websites include the following additional information:

  • EPT law
  • EPT regulations
  • Health Care Provider Guidelines
  • FAQ for Pharmacists
  • Information for Patients
  • Information for Sex Partners

Questions or comments may be addressed to an EPT email account:

 

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NIAID Study (HPTN 052 Study) Suggests ART Reduces Risk of Transmitting HIV to Sexual Partners

May 2011

From AIDSinfo At-A-Glance Volume 7 Issue No. 20, May 13, 2011

Men and women infected with HIV reduced the risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners by taking oral antiretroviral medicines when their immune systems were relatively healthy … .

“The clinical trial, known as HPTN 052, was slated to end in 2015 but the findings are being released early as the result of a scheduled interim review of the study data by an independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB). … The results are the first from a major randomized clinical trial to indicate that treating an HIV-infected individual can reduce the risk of sexual transmission of HIV to an uninfected partner. …

“HPTN 052 began in April 2005 and enrolled 1,763 couples … . The vast majority of the couples (97 percent) were heterosexual, which precludes any definitive conclusions about effectiveness in men who have sex with men. …

“The investigators randomly assigned the couples to either one of two study groups. In the first group, the HIV-infected partner immediately began taking a combination of three antiretroviral drugs. In the second group (the deferred group), the HIV-infected partners began antiretroviral therapy when their CD4 counts fell below 250 cells/mm³ or an AIDS-related event, such as Pneumocystis pneumonia, occurred. …

“In its review, the DSMB found a total of 39 cases of HIV infection among the previously uninfected partners. Of those, 28 were linked through genetic analysis to the HIV-infected partner as the source of infection. … Of the 28 linked infections, 27 infections occurred among the 877 couples in which the HIV-infected partner did not begin antiretroviral therapy immediately. Only one case of HIV infection occurred among those couples where the HIV-infected partner began immediate antiretroviral therapy. This finding was statistically significant and means that earlier initiation of antiretrovirals led to a 96 percent reduction in HIV transmission to the HIV-uninfected partner.”
More information is available:

 

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CDC Updates “HIV Surveillance in Injection Drug Users” Slide Set

July 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the “HIV Surveillance in Injection Drug Users (through 2009)” slide set with information from the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report. The slide set provides information on diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in injection drug users in the United States and dependent areas, including breakdowns of diagnoses by transmission category, sex, race/ethnicity, and age group.

 

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AIDS United Receives $1.3 Million From Elton John AIDS Foundation

July 2011

The New York City-based Elton John AIDS Foundation has announced a comprehensive $1.3 million grant to AIDS United, the organization formed from the recent merger of the National AIDS Fund and AIDS Action.

The grant will support four specific program areas, including the Community Partnership Network, which was awarded $950,000 to share with thirty-nine local programs across the country. As it had before the merger of the two organizations, EJAF will continue to provide significant challenge grant funding to the network. The foundation also directed $200,000 to help AIDS United meet its requirements as a recipient of a federal Social Innovation Fund grant. In addition, the foundation allocated $35,000 for the organization’s public policy efforts and $50,000 to help the organization maintain and expand services and build the capacity of community-based organizations in Puerto Rico.

In announcing the grant, EJAF chair David Furnish said, “With nearly thirty years of combined leadership in coalition building, public policy expertise, advocacy, and philanthropy, as well as a network of passionate local and state partners poised to most effectively and efficiently respond to HIV/AIDS in the communities most impacted by it, all of us at EJAF are optimistic about the prospects of AIDS United achieving their mission in due time, and we are proud to partner with them in this effort.”

“The Elton John AIDS Foundation Announces $1.3 Million Grant Award to AIDS United.” Elton John AIDS Foundation Press Release 6/21/11.

 

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Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

June 2011

“The International AIDS Society (IAS), in partnership with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the NIH-supported Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR) … announced the launch of a new round of the joint research grant programme, Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR).

“The CNIHR programme supports projects intended to advance the scientific understanding of HIV by exploring new approaches to pressing scientific questions on such issues as the long-term survival of individuals with HIV infection, strategies to control viral reservoirs and research leading toward a cure for HIV/AIDS, and new approaches for the prevention of HIV transmission including treatment as prevention. …

“Each awardee is funded for up to two years with up to $150,000 (direct costs) per year plus applicable indirect costs. …

“The first step of the competitive application process is now open on the CNIHR website … and will close on 17 October 2011. Applicants will be asked to complete a two-step process to assess the quality of their research projects. Awardees will be selected by mid-April 2012 and will be able to start their research projects in June 2012. The research projects will be supported in collaboration with a CFAR institution with expertise in each candidate’s area of proposed research.”

More information is available:

  • International AIDS Society (IAS): Press release
  • Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research (CNIHR): Web site
  • Centers for AIDS Reseach (CFAR): Home page

 

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amfAR Seeks Proposals to Explore HIV Persistence and Eradication

June 2011

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is pleased to announce the availability of targeted support for biomedical research projects relevant to exploring the mechanisms for HIV persistence and the potential for HIV eradication.

Funding will be available for:

Research Grants—$100,000 for direct costs plus up to 20 percent for indirect costs. The performance period for grants awarded under this RFP will be for one year starting November 1, 2011.

Fellowships—Each fellowship is funded for a total of up to $125,000: A maximum of $110,000 is allowed for project-specific direct costs ($45,000 per year for salary and fringe benefits and $20,000 over two years for laboratory supplies). It is expected that fellows will devote a minimum of 85 percent time and effort to the approved fellowship project. An additional $3,636 is provided to support attendance at amfAR-designated consultations for a direct cost maximum of $113,636. Institutional indirect costs may not exceed 10 percent of direct costs. The performance period for fellowships awarded under this RFP will be for two years starting November 1, 2011.

For more information, please visit the amfAR website at: http://www.amfar.org/lab/grants/default.aspx?id=9944

 

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NYC Health Department Reports More than 600,000 HIV Tests Conducted Through The Bronx Knows Initiative

June 2011

Three-year initiative concludes with HIV testing for thousands of New Yorkers and a free concert

In anticipation of National HIV Testing Day, the New York City Health Department, community partners, radio station Hot 97 and hundreds of New Yorkers gathered on Saturday, June 25, at the historic Paradise Theatre in the Bronx to celebrate the success of The Bronx Knows, a three-year borough-wide HIV testing initiative. Launched in 2008, The Bronx Knows initially set out to test the estimated 250,000 Bronx residents who had never been tested before. In the three years since the Health Department and its 76 Bronx community partners began this collaborative effort, all targets for increasing testing have been surpassed.

Learn more

 

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NYC Health Department Releases Two-Year Progress Report on City’s Take Care New York 2012 Health Agenda

June 2011

Fewer Smokers, More New Yorkers Getting Tested for HIV, and Increases in Physical Activity Pave Way for a Healthier City

With safer streets, more recreational spaces, expanded access to testing and screening for disease, and increased supports for smoking cessation, it is getting easier to be healthier in New York City. More City residents are heeding the call to “take care” as outlined in Take Care New York (TCNY) 2012: A Policy for a Healthier New York City. Launched in 2009, TCNY 2012 set measurable four-year goals for improvements in the health of all City residents. A new two-year progress report, Take Care New York 2012: Tracking the City’s Progress, 2009-2010, highlights the agency’s accomplishments and activities over these years and lays a blueprint to successfully reach the goals set forth by the 2012 plan.

Learn more

 

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Dear Colleague Letter on PrEP from the AIDS Institute

March 2011

Please click here to download and view the Dear Colleague Letter on PrEP from the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute.

 

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HIV Mental Health Warmline

February 2011

The Columbia HIV Mental Health Training Project is proud to announce our warmline. As part of our network of mental health care providers, you are invited to utilize this service any time you would like to discuss client issues with one of our psychiatrists.

HIV Mental Health Warmline

The Columbia University HIV Mental Health Training Project, with funding from the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, now offers the Warmline. Mental health care providers with HIV-positive clients can access assistance from a psychiatrist who specializes in the relationship between HIV and mental health. All calls will be returned within 48 hours.

Contact the Warmline at 1-212-543-5413.

For more information on the Columbia HIV Mental Health Training Project, click here.

 

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A Public Health Approach for Advancing Sexual Health in the United States: Rationale and Options for Implementation, Final Meeting Report

June 2011

For more information on A Public Health Approach for Advancing Sexual Health in the United States: Rationale and Options for Implementation, Final Meeting Report, please click here.

 

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HRSA Bureau of Primary Health Care Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2011-06

June 2011

HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment in Health Centers

This PAL outlines BPHC expectations on increased integration of HIV/AIDS services across the Health Center Program and gives information/resources on treatment and care of people living with HIV/AIDS.

For more information, please visit the HRSA website at: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/policiesregulations/policies/pal201106.html

 

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HRSA Guide for HIV/AIDS Clinical Care

June 2011

This manual was developed to provide HIV/AIDS clinicians with ready access to practical, current, treatment information so that they may provide quality care to people living with HIV.

Written and edited by expert clinicians who are part of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWP) system, this document reflects the broad clinical expertise within the RWP.

Individual chapters are linked to related Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau Performance Measures, and where appropriate, are based on the various Department of Health and Human Services’ clinical guidelines panels’ recommendations.

For more information, please visit the HRSA website at: http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/clinicalguide11/

 

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amfAR is Accepting Letters of Intent for the Mathilde Krim Fellows in Basic Biomedical Research Program

June 2011

amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research is accepting Letters of Intent for the Mathilde Krim Fellows in Basic Biomedical Research program, which provides funding for exceptional researchers who are new to the HIV/AIDS field.

Krim Fellowship funding will support a recipient’s ongoing HIV research and facilitate his or her transition to a productive and independent long-term career in the HIV/AIDS biomedical research field.

Link to Complete RFP

 

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CDC Updates “HIV and TB” Fact Sheet

June 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the “HIV and TB” fact sheet. This fact sheet provides information and statistics on tuberculosis (TB) and how it affects people with HIV infection. Prevention challenges and actions the CDC is taking to prevent the further spread of TB are also detailed.

 

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CDC Releases Extended HIV Surveillance Report

June 2011

“On the 30th anniversary of the epidemic, to characterize trends in HIV infection and AIDS in the United States during 1981–2008, CDC analyzed data from the National HIV Surveillance System. …

“For this report, AIDS data reported to CDC by the end of June 2010 from 50 states and DC were analyzed to determine the annual number of AIDS diagnoses, deaths among persons with AIDS, and persons living with AIDS from 1981 through 2008. … Additionally, by using 1) HIV and AIDS data for persons aged ≥13 years at diagnosis from 40 states that have had confidential name-based HIV infection reporting since at least January 2006 and 2) AIDS data from 11 areas, CDC estimated the annual number of persons living with HIV infection using extended back-calculation … .

“At the end of 2008, an estimated 1,178,350 persons aged ≥13 years were living with HIV infection, including 236,400 (20.1%) whose infections had not been diagnosed … . Most (75.0%) persons living with HIV were male, and 65.7% of the males were men who have sex with men (MSM). HIV prevalence rates among blacks or African Americans (1,819.0 per 100,000 population) and Hispanics or Latinos (592.9) were approximately eight times and two and a half times the rate among whites (238.4) … .”

More information is available:

 

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Spring 2011 Issue of mental health AIDS

June 2011

The quarterly biopsychosocial research update on HIV and mental health, mental health AIDS, is sponsored by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is disseminated free of charge through the SAMHSA Web site.

The Spring 2011 issue features an article titled, “HIV Prevention 2011: Hits, Misses, & Hopes.”

In this article, recent advances in biomedical HIV prevention research, including the positive findings from the iPrEx and CAPRISA 004 studies, are contrasted with the less successful findings of several studies that focused on behavior change interventions.

Despite this, behavioral health research in the field of HIV prevention continues to evolve because behavior change remains integral to a combination approach to HIV prevention. Biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions must be used in combination and tailored to the HIV epidemic at the local level in order to decrease HIV transmission.

Finally, the article discusses a study that employed a mental health-focused HIV prevention model in the primary care setting, which included training HIV-infected peer advocates to administer an individually tailored counseling intervention for sexual safety and general coping to HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM).

More information is available:

 

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Doctors Across New York (DANY) Practice Support Program: DOH RFP released

May 2011

7.2 Million Available for Physician Recruitment

The Department of Health (DOH) released a request for proposals (RFP) for the Doctors Across New York (DANY) Practice Support Program. A total of $7.2 million is available over a two-year period, which translates into approximately 70 awards.

Applications will be accepted from June 14, 2011 through March 30, 2012, or until funding is exhausted. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. DOH anticipates a ten-day turnaround for reviews, and will notify applicants within 30 days.

HANYS applauds DOH for releasing the practice support RFP. HANYS worked closely with DOH to streamline the new RFP and application process. DANY’s Practice Support and Loan Repayment programs provide funding to physicians who locate in communities in need. HANYS anticipates the release of the Loan Repayment program RFP soon.

The Practice Support component of DANY includes several categories that are eligible for funding, including loan repayment. For applicants who apply for loan repayment, physicians can receive up to $100,000 for a two-year period, with a two-year commitment to the area. This is different from DANY’s separate Loan Repayment component, which is worth up to $150,000 over a five-year period, with a five-year commitment to the under-served area.

To be eligible for funding, the physician must have a start date of July 1, 2010 or after, and provide services in an under-served area. DOH will accept questions about the process through May 24 at 4:00 pm. Contact: Sherry Chorost

 

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Resource to Help in Addressing HIV Among Latino Gay Men

June 2011

A Través de Nuestros Ojos (Through Our Eyes): Promoting Health and Social Equity to Address HIV/AIDS among Latino Gay Men

Consistent with the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), as well as NASTAD and NCSD’s Statement of Urgency: Crisis among Gay Men, NASTAD released a report that summarizes the findings of a qualitative study in 12 jurisdictions that investigated responses of health departments and community-based organizations to the HIV/AIDS crisis among Latino gay men in the U.S. The report seeks to generate key themes to assist and inform effective federal, state and local public health responses to HIV/STDs among these men. Also available in Spanish.

 

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amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research Announces Funding Opportunity for Latin American Grassroots Organizations

June 2011

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is pleased to announce new funding for innovative projects that address HIV/AIDS among gay men, other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) individuals in Latin America. Grassroots organizations led by or closely linked to MSM/LGBT communities in low- and middle-income countries in Latin America are encouraged to submit relevant proposals. Funds for this round of awards are made available through the generous support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Each organization may apply for an award of up to $20,000 USD to support project-related costs for up to 12 months. Only one application may be submitted per organization. Proposals for general operating support will not be considered.

Approximately $200,000 USD is available for this round of awards in Latin America; amfAR anticipates funding from six to eight proposals. Funding recommendations will be announced in October 2011. Organizations that are approved for awards can expect to receive funds to begin activities as early as November 2011.

For more information, please visit The Foundation for AIDS Research website at http://www.amfar.org/world/article.aspx?id=9789

 

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HEALTHQUAL International 2011 All-Country Learning Network (ACLN)

May 2011

2011 All-Country Learning Network

The second HEALTHQUAL International All-Country Learning Network (ACLN) was held in Windhoek, Namibia, March 14-18, 2011. This gathering was attended by 138 participants from 15 countries in Asia, Africa, South America, the Caribbean and the U.S., and included representatives from Ministries of Health, CDC country offices, CDC Atlanta and the Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau.

To download the complete issue of this newsletter, with images, please visit the HEALTHQUAL website at: http://www.healthqual.org/index.cfm/22/10393.

 

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NQC is Accepting Nominations for the 2011 Quality of Care Awards

May 2011

The National Quality Center (NQC) is accepting nominations for the 2011 Quality of Care Awards through the close of business on June 3, 2011.

NQC and the HIV AIDS Bureau (HAB) encourage you to fill out an application and be recognized for the hard work you do and for your commitment to excellence. It has been our privilege to be the provider of technical assistance in quality improvement for almost seven years now. In that time NQC has had the chance to learn of the excellent work you provide to your clients. Help us recognize that work and acknowledge it.

Please click here to download the Award nomination package with complete instructions on completing the application. If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-212-417-4730.

 

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HHS Announces New Action Plan to Prevent, Care, and Treat Viral Hepatitis

May 2011

May 12, 2011 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released Combating the Silent Epidemic: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Action Plan for the Prevention, Care and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (read the full “Action Plan” here, PDF 672KB). Click here to watch a webcast of an event where HHS officials and community representatives met in Washington DC to discuss the Action Plan.

Although hepatitis is a leading infectious cause of death and claims the lives of 12,000-15,000 Americans each year, viral hepatitis remains virtually unknown to health-care providers, the general public, at-risk populations, and policymakers. As a consequence, most of the 3.5-5.3 million Americans living with viral hepatitis do not know that they are infected, which places them at greater risk for severe, even fatal, complications from the disease and increases the likelihood that they will unwittingly spread the virus to others. Persons living with untreated viral hepatitis are at increased risk for liver cancer and chronic liver disease.

“Persons with HIV also are disproportionately affected by viral hepatitis and related adverse health conditions. Because HIV, HBV [hepatitis b], and HCV [hepatitis c] share common modes of transmission, namely, sexual and intravenous drug-related activities, one third of HIV-infected persons are co-infected with HBV or HCV. The progression of viral hepatitis is accelerated among persons with HIV; therefore, persons who are co-infected experience greater liver-related health problems than non-HIV infected persons.”

The HHS Action Plan describes opportunities to improve coordination of viral hepatitis activities across HHS operating divisions. The Action Plan also sets priorities for HHS to facilitate the development of a public-health and a primary-care infrastructure that is needed for viral hepatitis prevention and care at the Federal, state, and local levels. In addition, the Action Plan provides HHS with the framework needed to engage other governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations in viral hepatitis prevention and care. Learn more about hepatitis and HIV at AIDS.gov.

For more information on viral hepatitis, please visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/

 

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CDC Updates "HIV Surveillance in Women" Slide Set

May 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the “HIV Surveillance in Women” slide set with information from the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report. The slide set provides information on HIV infection and AIDS diagnoses in women in the United States and dependent areas, including breakdowns of diagnoses by age group, transmission category, and race/ethnicity.

 

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HUD Announces $9.1 million in HOPWA Funding

May 2011

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of $9.1 million in funding through its Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program to meet the housing needs of low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. Grants made available under the HOPWA program advance HUD’s implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). Eligible applicants include states, units of local government, including public housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations. To learn more about this funding opportunity, read the full announcement.

Visit the HOPWA site to learn more about housing opportunities for persons with AIDS.

 

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Prevention of HIV Transmission/Acquisition through a better understanding of Reproductive Health (R01) FOA

May 2011

This Funding Opportunity Announcement invites Research Project Grant (R01) applications to further our understanding of HIV acquisition/transmission by increasing our knowledge regarding the intersection between reproductive health and HIV prevention. The emphasis of the FOA is to encourage comprehensive behavioral-biomedical approaches that can lead to new insights in HIV prevention research.

For more information, please click here.

 

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CDC Updates HIV Surveillance by Race/Ethnicity Slide Set

May 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the HIV Surveillance by Race/Ethnicity slide set with information from the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report. The slide set provides information on HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas, broken down by race/ethnicity.

 

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FDA Updates Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) Label with New Data on Incidence of Bacterial Pneumonia

May 2011

“Updates to the Warnings and Precautions, Pneumonia subsection of the Fuzeon (enfuvirtide) package insert were approved on April 28, 2011 in response to results of a study conducted under a Postmarketing Commitment. Drug sponsor, Roche, submitted the results from an ‘Observational Cohort Study on the Incidence of Pneumonia in HIV-1 Patients Treated with Fuzeon.’ …

“The findings from the study are included in Warnings and Precautions section 5.3 Pneumonia of the package insert as follows. …

“Because it was unclear whether the higher incidence rate of pneumonia was related to FUZEON use, an observational study in 1850 HIV-infected patients (740 FUZEON treated patients and 1110 non-FUZEON treated patients) was conducted to evaluate the risk of pneumonia in patients treated with FUZEON. A total of 123 patients had a confirmed or probable pneumonia event in this study (62 in the FUZEON treatment arm with 1962 patient-years of observation and 61 in the non-FUZEON treatment arm with 3378 patient-years of observation). The incidence of pneumonia was 3.2 events/100 patient-years in the FUZEON treatment arm and 1.8 events/100 patient-years in the non-FUZEON treatment arm. The hazard ratio, adjusting for other baseline risk factors, was 1.34 (95% C.I. = 0.90 – 2.00). Based on this observational study, it is not possible to exclude an increased risk of pneumonia in patients treated with FUZEON compared to non-FUZEON treated patients.”

More information is available:

 

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FDA approves VictrelisTM (boceprevir) for Hepatitis C

May 2011

FDA approves VictrelisTM (boceprevir) for Hepatitis C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Victrelis (boceprevir) to treat certain adults with chronic hepatitis C. Victrelis is used for patients who still have some liver function, and who either have not been previously treated with drug therapy for their hepatitis C or who have failed such treatment. Victrelis is approved for use in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.

The safety and effectiveness of Victrelis was evaluated in two phase 3 clinical trials with 1,500 adult patients. In both trials, two-thirds of patients receiving Victrelis in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin experienced a significantly increased sustained virologic response (i.e., the hepatitis C virus was no longer detected in the blood 24 weeks after stopping treatment), compared to pegylated interferon and ribavirin alone, the current standard of care. When a person sustains a virologic response after completing treatment, this suggests that HCV infection has been cured.

Sustained virologic response can result in decreased cirrhosis and complications of liver disease, decreased rates of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and decreased mortality.
“Victrelis is an important new advance for patients with hepatitis C,” said Edward Cox, M.D., M.P.H, director, Office of Antimicrobial Products in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This new medication provides an effective treatment for a serious disease, and offers a greater chance of cure for some patients’ hepatitis C infection compared to currently available therapy.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3.2 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C, a viral disease that causes inflammation of the liver that can lead to diminished liver function or liver failure.
Most people with hepatitis have no symptoms of the disease until liver damage occurs, which may take several years.

Most liver transplants performed in the United States are due to progressive liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus infection. After the initial infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), most people develop chronic hepatitis C. Some will develop cirrhosis of the liver over many years. Cirrhosis can lead to liver damage with complications such as bleeding, jaundice (yellowish eyes or skin), fluid accumulation in abdomen, infections, or liver cancer.

People can get the hepatitis C virus in a number of ways, including: exposure to blood that is infected with the virus; being born to a mother with HCV; sharing a needle; having sex with an infected person; sharing personal items such as a razor, toothbrush with someone who is infected with the virus, or from unsterilized tattoo or piercing tools.

Victrelis is a pill taken three times a day with food. The therapy is part of a class of drugs referred to as protease inhibitors, which work by binding to the virus and preventing it from multiplying.

The most commonly reported side effects in patients receiving Victrelis in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin include fatigue, low red blood cell count (anemia), nausea, headache and taste distortion (dysgeusia).

Victrelis is marketed by Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based Merck.

For more information:

FDA: Approved Drugs: Questions and Answers

FDA: What’s New at FDA in Hepatitis

FDA: Hepatitis C Tests

CDC: Hepatitis C Information for the Public

 

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SAMHSA accepting applications for $40.25 million for HIV/AIDS programs

May 2011

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting grant applications, from eligible state and local health departments, for up to $40.25 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative-Targeted Capacity Expansion (MAI-TCE) grant program.

These grants will facilitate the development and expansion of culturally competent and effective integrated behavioral health and primary care networks, which include HIV services and medical treatment, within racial and ethnic minority communities most impacted by HIV/AIDS.

This grant program supports the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the Health and Human Services (HHS) 12 Cities Project. The HHS-wide project supports and accelerates comprehensive HIV/AIDS planning and cross-agency response in 12 U.S. jurisdictions that bear the highest AIDS burden in the country.

Also, this grant program is a part of SAMHSA’s Strategic Initiative on Health Reform — one of eight strategic initiatives (http://www.samhsa.gov). The expected outcomes for the program include reducing the impact of behavioral health problems, HIV risk and incidence, and HIV-related health disparities in these areas.

Twelve designated public health departments working with community partners may receive up to $1.5 million per year for up to 3 years for a total of $13.416 million per year. Actual amounts may vary, depending on the availability of funds and the performance of the grantees.

WHO CAN APPLY: Eligible applicants are the following State and local health departments in the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) and Metropolitan Divisions (MD) that received grants in Phase I of CDC’s project, “Enhanced Comprehensive HIV Prevention Planning (ECHPP) and Implementation for Metropolitan Statistical Areas Most Affected by HIV/AIDS”: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Los Angeles County Public Health Department, District of Columbia Department of Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, Georgia Department of Human Resources, Florida State Department of Health, City of Philadelphia Public Health Department, Houston Department of Health and Human Services, San Francisco Department of Public Health, Maryland State Department of Health, Texas State Department of Health Services, and Puerto Rico Department of Health.

HOW TO APPLY: Applications for MAI-TCE grants are available by calling SAMHSA at 1-877-SAMHSA7 [TDD: 1-800-487-4889] or by downloading the application from the SAMHSA Web site at http://www.samhsa.gov/Grants/2011/SM_11_006.aspx.

APPLICATION DUE DATE: June 13, 2011. Applications must be received by the due date to be considered for review.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For questions about program issues contact Ilze L. Ruditis, MSW, ACSW at ilze.ruditis@samhsa.hhs.gov, 1-240-276-1777 or David C. Thompson, david.thompson@samhsa.hhs.gov, 1-240-276-1623.

For information on grants management and budget issues contact Gwendolyn Simpson at gwendolyn.simpson@samhsa.hhs.gov, 1-240-276-1408 or Love Foster-Horton at love.foster-horton@samhsa.hhs.gov, 1-240-276-1653.

 

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Institute of Human Virology Receives $23.4 Million to Develop HIV/AIDS Vaccine

May 2011

The Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine has announced grants totaling $23.4 million from a consortium of donors to support preclinical development and phase I/II clinical trials of an HIV vaccine candidate, FLSC (Full-Length Single Chain).

Grants provided by the consortium — including $16.8 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, $2.2 million from the U.S. Army’s Military HIV Research Program, and additional funding from the National Institutes of Health and other sources — will be used to determine whether the immune responses elicited by vaccine candidate are sufficiently powerful and long-lasting in humans. The research also will assess prime-boost combinations of the HIV vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur. Both vaccine candidates involve the use of a modified form of the outer protein envelope, which might enable the vaccines to complement each other.

The prime-boost strategy using FLSC has the potential to induce broad antibody responses to HIV-1, which bind to common HIV regions that are exposed when the virus attaches to target cells, rather than to specific characteristics of the HIV envelope protein that may not be present in all virus strains. The strategy could overcome limitations of previous vaccine candidates that responded to single strains or narrow ranges of HIV viruses.

Led by institute director Dr. Robert Gallo, who discovered the first human retroviruses and was among those who identified HIV, the research will be conducted by IHV, with help from Sanofi Pasteur and the Military HIV Research Program. “IHV’s unique and promising HIV/AIDS vaccine candidate is designed to bind to the virus at the moment of infection, when many of the different strains of HIV found around the world can be neutralized,” said Gallo. “We believe this mechanism is a major prerequisite for an effective HIV preventive vaccine.”

“Consortium Awards $23.4 Million for Promising HIV/AIDS Preventive Vaccine Candidate Developed by Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.”

Institute of Human Virology Press Release 5/05/11.

 

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CDC Releases Supplement to the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report

May 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report, Volume 16, Number 2: Enhanced Perinatal Surveillance—15 Areas, 2005–2008. The purpose of this report is to describe the population of HIV-infected women who gave birth during 2005–2008, which can provide information for further focusing perinatal prevention efforts in the United States and dependent areas. It is a supplement to the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report.

 

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New York City HIV/AIDS Surveillance Slide Sets

April 2011

HIV Epidemiology & Field Services

Surveillance Slide Sets

These slide sets provide information on the epidemiology of HIV and AIDS in New York City. The slides present HIV/AIDS surveillance data for 2009, including new diagnoses of HIV and AIDS, persons living with HIV/AIDS and deaths, as well as trends in HIV and AIDS and pediatric HIV/AIDS data.

All slide sets are in PowerPoint format, except where noted. If you need further assistance, please contact the HIV Epidemiology and Field Services Program at hivreport@health.nyc.gov.

New York City HIV/AIDS Surveillance Slide Sets. New York: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2009. Updated March 2011. Accessed April 5, 2011 at HIV Epidemiology and Field Services Surveillance Slide Sets.

 

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NYC AIDS Fund Gives $1.3 Million to Stop the Spread of HIV/AIDS and Improve Care for Those with the Disease

April 2011

New York, April 26 – The New York City AIDS Fund in The New York Community Trust announced grants to 26 City organizations.

“Research shows that people living with AIDS taking medications to control their illness are far less likely to spread HIV,” says Len McNally, chairman of the AIDS Fund and program director for health and people with special needs at The Trust. “With our multi-pronged approach of simultaneously funding improvements in policy, treatment, and organizational management, we can control the spread of a disease that once ravaged our city and improve the lives of those infected.”

The fashion industry has been one of the biggest supporters of The AIDS Fund. “The CFDA, with our partner Vogue Magazine, remains committed to supporting the NYC AIDS Fund through the CFDA-Vogue Initiative. We launched the initiative in 1990 to raise money and awareness for the burgeoning HIV/AIDS crisis, which hit the fashion industry particularly hard. It remains a key priority for our industry,” says Steven Kolb, executive director of CDFA. “Over the last two decades we have raised $20 million for the Fund through the now iconic 7th on Sale shopping galas and continue to do so with the annual Fashion’s Night Out retail events and merchandise sales.”

ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY

  • $50,000 to Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS, to help prepare AIDS service organizations to become federally qualified health centers.
  • $30,000 to Correctional Association of New York, to monitor and improve health care for inmates with HIV/AIDS in New York State prisons.
  • $40,000 to Harm Reduction Coalition, to increase availability of clean syringes at community health centers and drug treatment programs.
  • $30,000 to Legal Action Center of the City of New York, to monitor implementation of new HIV-testing regulations, and to educate policymakers about the needs of women with the disease and those who are at high risk of getting it.
  • $30,000 to New York City AIDS Housing Network, to educate policymakers about the benefits of a 30 percent rent cap for low-income New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS.

PREVENTION

  • $70,000 to Bronx AIDS Services, for an HIV-prevention program for young men who have sex with men.
  • $38,000 to Child Center of New York, for a peer-led HIV-prevention program for Hispanic teenagers.
  • $70,000 to Community Health Project, for HIV prevention and care coordination for homeless LGBT youth.
  • $75,000 to Discipleship Outreach Ministries, for a peer-led HIV-prevention program for high-risk homeless individuals in Brooklyn.
  • $65,000 to Fortune Society, for an HIV-prevention and support program led by former inmates for men being discharged from State prisons.
  • $75,000 to Foundation for Research on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, for an HIV-prevention program for homeless, drug-using young men who have sex with men.
  • $65,000 to Gay Men of African Descent, for a peer-led HIV-prevention program for young black and Latino men who have sex with men.
  • $65,000 to Health and Education Alternatives for Teens, for an HIV-prevention program in Brooklyn for young black men who have sex with men.
  • $40,000 to Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center, for an HIV-prevention program for young drug users.
  • $75,000 to Red Hook Initiative, for an HIV-prevention program for minority adolescents and young adults in Brooklyn.
  • $60,000 to Voces Latinas, to expand its peer-education HIV-prevention program for poor women of color.

TESTING

  • $50,000 to African Services Committee, to educate African immigrants about new State HIV-testing regulations and to get more immigrants tested.
  • $30,000 to After Hours Project, to expand a mobile HIV-testing program in central Brooklyn.
  • $40,000 to Community Health Action of Staten Island, for an HIV-testing program on Staten Island for injection drug users, African-American women, and men who have sex with men.
  • $50,000 to Floating Hospital, for HIV testing of homeless girls and young women of color.
  • $50,000 to Make the Road New York, to expand an HIV-testing program in Brooklyn and Queens.
  • $35,000 to Muslim Women’s Institute for Research and Development, to open the City’s first HIV-testing program for the Muslim community.
  • $40,000 to Washington Heights Corner Project, to expand an HIV-education and testing program to Hamilton Heights.

MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT

  • $75,000 to Ali Forney, to build an integrated electronic database to better coordinate services for homeless LGBT youth at risk for HIV infection.
  • $50,000 to HELP/PSI, to open a primary care center in a syringe-exchange program.
  • $25,000 to Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS/HIV Treatment and Research (SMART), to complete the agency’s integration into a larger AIDS service organization.

For more information, please visit The New York City Community Trust website at http://www.nycommunitytrust.org/Newsroom/PressReleases/PressReleaseArticles/tabid/595/smid/1061/ArticleID/141/reftab/36/Default.aspx

 

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CDC Commemorates 30 Years of Fighting the HIV/AIDS Epidemic

April 2011

30th Commemoration of HIV/AIDS

This year, CDC will commemorate 30 years of fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. To highlight our collective progress and examine existing challenges, CDC is launching an online community that will serve as an information and communication portal. Here, we invite you to share your voice to remind us of the accomplishments, inspire one another with stories of perseverance and success, and position ourselves and our work for the road ahead.

This unique social networking community will allow members to share events, stories, photos, videos, and much more from the past 30 years. Many of us have been personally affected by HIV/AIDS over the past 3 decades, from receiving a diagnosis, to living with HIV or AIDS, to caring for a friend or family member with the disease. Our personal stories speak of challenges, but they also speak of hope. Please share your personal story with us and with others who have become a part of this epidemic’s history.

Furthermore, some of us have worked in HIV since its beginning 30 years ago—in clinics, community organizations, the hardest-hit areas, health departments, and federal agencies. Some of us have more recently enlisted in this fight. But all of us have had moments that defined our work and our dedication to reducing the burden of HIV and AIDS. Please join the online community and share your defining moment in HIV prevention.

The Web community features a calendar of events and host guest bloggers ranging from CDC leaders to community activists and partners in our collective struggle to end the epidemic. We encourage you to spend some time in this section of the portal and invite you to respond to blog posts with memories, lessons learned, or words of encouragement. To further commemorate the first reported case of AIDS, CDC will convene the lecture series, “HIV/AIDS: 30 Years of Leadership and Lessons” moderated conversations with leaders describing defining moments that changed the course of the epidemic. The series will begin early June 2011 and run through the final day of the CDC’s National HIV Prevention Conference, which will be held August 14-17 in Atlanta. The conference will provide another opportunity to look back at the successes and challenges of the first 30 years of the epidemic, the lessons learned, and how we can apply these lessons today to have an even greater effect on the HIV epidemic.

Once you are a member of the online community, you can connect with colleagues past and present, meet new friends, honor loved ones affected by HIV or AIDS, and remember those who died from the disease. We have made significant progress, but much more remains to be done.

Sign up and share your personal and professional stories of hope, photographs of triumph, and videos of the journey.

Click here to register for the community, and begin sharing your story.

You may also sign up for the community by using you Facebook, Twitter, Google, or Yahoo login information.

 

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Funding Opportunity: NIH/PEPFAR Collaboration for Implementation Science and Impact Evaluation (R01) - Deadline: July 7, 2011

April 2011

The NIH, in collaboration with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, is soliciting applications for support for implementation science projects that will inform the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as they develop more efficient and cost-effective methods to deliver HIV prevention, treatment, and care on a large scale.

For more information, please click here.

 

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IOM Releases Report an Important New Report About the Health of LGBT People

April 2011

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released an important new report about the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The 276-page report, The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding, is the result of an 18-month study by a panel of experts commissioned by the IOM at the request of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH asked the panel to evaluate current knowledge of the health status of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations; to identify research gaps and opportunities; and to outline a research agenda to help NIH focus its research in this area. The report provides a thorough compilation of what is known about the health of each of these groups at different stages of life and outlines an agenda for the research and data collection necessary to form a fuller understanding. The report addresses the continuing disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS in this population.

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, thanked the IOM for the report, observing, “This report is an important step in identifying research gaps and opportunities, as part of an overall effort to understand and address the health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. We look forward to continuing our work to address these needs and reduce LGBT health disparities.”

View the report, read a brief about it, or listen to audio from the report release online.

For more information on LGBT health issues, consult these resources:

 

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HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

April 2011

On April 8, 2011 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled the HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (PDF 2MB). This document will serve as a road map for eliminating health and health care disparities for racial, ethnic and other underserved communities. Addressing health disparities is a priority for the HIV community, and a key goal of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, mentioned on page 8 of the HHS Plan.

For more information, visit the brand new National Partnership for Action website and learn how you can take action in your community.

 

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Clinical Response Coordinator to Ivorian Refugee Crisis in Southeastern Liberia

April 2011

Tiyatien Health (TH) is seeking 2-3 health care volunteers who could rapidly depart for Liberia and serve for a period of 8-12 weeks. Volunteers will receive basic, secure accommodations in the TH guesthouse in Zwedru, Liberia. Clinical Response Coordinator will offer clinical supervision to TH’s response activities: ART treatment for HIV-positive refugees, triage and referral of the seriously-ill to hospital care, and possible treatment of malaria and other conditions through TH’s community health worker.

For more information, please visit Tiyatien Health’s webste at http://www.tiyatienhealth.org/refugeecrisisvolunteer/

 

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amfAR Seeks Proposals for MSM Initiative Community Awards in Asia-Pacific Region - Deadline: May 4, 2011

April 2011

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is pleased to announce new funding for innovative projects that address HIV/AIDS among gay men, other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) individuals in the Asia-Pacific region. Grassroots organizations led by or closely linked to MSM/LGBT communities in low- and middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific region are encouraged to submit relevant proposals. Funds for this round of awards are made available through the generous support of the ViiV Healthcare Positive Action and Aids Fonds.

Each organization may apply for an award of up to $20,000 USD to support project-related costs for up to 12 months. Only one application may be submitted per organization. Proposals for general operating support will not be considered.

Approximately $150,000 is available for this round of awards in the Asia-Pacific region; amfAR anticipates funding from six to eight proposals. Funding recommendations will be announced in September 2011. Organizations that are approved for awards can expect to receive funds to begin activities as early as October 2011.

For more information, please click here.

 

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CDC Releases Supplement to the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report

April 2011

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report, Volume 16, Number 1: Reported CD4+ T-Lymphocyte Results for Adults and Adolescents with HIV Infection—37 States, 2005-2007. The report provides information on CD4 test results at specified times after HIV diagnosis in people 13 years of age and older. It is a supplement to the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report.

 

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Highlights from the White House Meeting for National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

April 2011

The meeting covered a range of topics from HIV prevention to research to policy. After Jeffrey S. Crowley (Office of National AIDS Policy) opened the event, Congresswoman Donna Christensen (U.S. Virgin Islands) talked about “What Can YOU Do: Take Action” and among other topics discussed the need for community designed and driven interventions. Next up Gina Brown (Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health) provided an epidemiological overview of HIV and discussed what makes women biologically, anatomically, and behaviorally susceptible to HIV, along with some highlights of the iPrEX and Caprisa trials.

Then there were the following three panel sessions with Q&A:


  1. Taking Action Against HIV/AIDS: Effective Strategies for Prevention. Moderator: Janet Cleveland (Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention); Panelists: A. Toni Young (Community Education Group), Cristina Pena (Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation), Barbara Joseph (Positive Efforts, Inc.)

  2. Getting the Help You Need: Access to Care. Moderator: Frances Ashe‐Goins (Office of Women’s Health, HHS); Panelists: Mardge Cohen (Rush University), Heather Hauck (Maryland Department of Health and Mental, Hygiene), Hadiyah Charles (Suffolk University)

  3. Social Marketing and Messaging Techniques; Moderator: Mark Ishaug (AIDS United); Panelists: Regan Hofmann (POZ Magazine), Susannah Fox (Pew Research Center), Cheryl Smith (AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health)

The event concluded with closing remarks by Tina Tchen (Office of the First Lady).

Please visit AIDS.gov to read the complete article and to view a video with a few brief interviews with some of the speakers.

 

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Understanding Patient-Centered Care, Consumer Involvement & Patient Self-Management Brochure

March 2011

Click here to download and view the Understanding Patient-Centered Care, Consumer Involvement & Patient Self-Management brochure.

 

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IOM Releases Report on Health Care System Capacity for Increased HIV Testing and Care

March 2011

By Jeffrey S. Crowley, M.P.H., Director, Office of National AIDS Policy (Cross-posted from the Office of National AIDS Policy Blog on March 18, 2011)

On March 18, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released its third and final report in a project commissioned by the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP). Entitled “HIV Screening and Access to Care: Health Care System Capacity for Increased HIV Testing and Provision of Care,” the report examines the current capacity of the health care system to administer a great number of HIV tests and accommodate new HIV diagnoses.

More than 200,000 people in the United States are living with HIV, but unaware of their status. Increased HIV testing may help identify these individuals, reducing the chance that they will transmit HIV to others and improving their own health outcomes. But some individuals may not receive the care they need if the health care system does not have the capacity to care for them.

The report finds that budget constraints at state and local health departments pose a barrier to more widespread HIV testing. In addition, fewer practitioners are specializing in HIV/AIDS care and the number of specialists entering the workforce is not replacing the number retiring. Among the report’s findings, the report concludes that, to meet the growing demand for care, more practitioners need training in HIV/AIDS treatment and care; and hospitals, clinics, and health departments must receive sufficient funding to maintain their staff and support screening efforts.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), the landmark health reform legislation signed into law by President Obama in March 2010, includes several provisions to expand and better support the health care workforce. These provisions also create opportunities for addressing some of the HIV workforce challenges indentified in this report. The National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States (PDF) recognizes the importance of ensuring that all people living with HIV know their HIV status and are well supported in a regular system of care. The Strategy states that public and private sector entities must take the steps to improve service delivery for people living with HIV by: establishing a seamless system to immediately link people to continuous and coordinated quality care when they are diagnosed with HIV; taking deliberate steps to increase the number and diversity of available providers of clinical care and related services for people living with HIV; and, supporting people living with HIV with co-occurring health conditions and those who have challenges meeting their basic needs, such as housing.

In 2009, ONAP commissioned the IOM to convene a 15-member Committee on HIV Screening and Access to Care, which was tasked with planning and conducting a series of three workshops and activities that evaluate barriers to expanded HIV testing and treatment programs. The outcome of these efforts is the issuance of three reports that examine certain questions related to HIV testing policy and access to care. The Committee’s first report focused on the extent to which Federal and State laws and policies, private health insurance policies and practices, and other factors inhibit or promote expanded HIV testing. The second report studied how Federal and State laws and policies and private health insurance policies affect entry into clinical care and the provision of continuous and sustained care for people with HIV.

ONAP thanks the Committee for its efforts. These reports will inform our collective efforts to implement the Strategy.

To view this report and the entire report series, please visit the IOM website, www.iom.edu.

This article can also be viewed on AIDS.GOV by clicking here.

 

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Kaletra Oral Solution Label Changes Related to Toxicity in Preterm Neonates

February 2011

Label changes to Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir, LPV/r) oral solution were approved by the FDA due to postmarketing cases of life-threatening events in neonates (babies less than 4 weeks old) that received Kaletra oral solution. Life-threatening cases included:

  • cardiac toxicity (including complete AV block, bradycardia, and cardiomyopathy)
  • lactic acidosis
  • acute renal failure
  • central nervous system depression
  • respiratory complications

Of the 10 cases, there was one death due to cardiogenic shock related to a large overdose of Kaletra oral solution.

Kaletra oral solution contains 42.4% (v/v) alcohol and 15.3% (w/v) propylene glycol. Special attention should be given to accurate calculation of the dose of Kaletra, transcription of the medication order, dispensing information and dosing instructions to minimize the risk for medication errors, and overdose.

To read the FDA notice, click here.

Kaletra prescribing information is available at: http://www.rxabbott.com/pdf/kaletratabpi.pdf

 

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Research on role of rectal use of personal lubricants in HIV transmission and viral replication in vivo

February 2011

Begay O, Ninochka J-P, Abraham C, et al. Identification of personal lubricants that can cause rectal epithelial cell damage and enhance HIV-1 replication in vitro. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2011;Feb 10 [ePub ahead of print]. [PubMed]

Abstract

Over-the-counter personal lubricants are used frequently during vaginal and anal intercourse, but they have not been extensively tested for biological effects that might influence HIV transmission. We evaluated the in vitro toxicity, anti-HIV-1 activity and osmolality of popular lubricants. A total of 41 lubricants were examined and compared to Gynol II® and Carraguard® as positive and negative controls for toxicity, respectively. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the XTT assay. The MAGI assay with R5 and X4 HIV-1 laboratory strains was used to evaluate antiviral activity. The effect of the lubricants on differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayers (transepithelial electrical resistance, TEER) was also measured. None of the lubricants tested showed significant activity against HIV-1. Surprisingly, four of them, Astroglide® Liquid, Astroglide® Warming Liquid, Astroglide® Glycerin & Paraben-Free Liquid, and Astroglide® Silken Secret™, significantly enhanced HIV-1 replication (p<0.0001). A common ingredient in three of these preparations is polyquaternium-15. In vitro testing of a chemically related compound (MADQUAT) confirmed that this similarly augmented HIV-1 replication. Most of the lubricants were found to be hyperosmolar and the TEER value dropped approximately 60% 2 hours after exposure to all lubricants tested. Cells treated with Carraguard™, saline and cell controls maintained about 100% initial TEER value after 2-6 hours. We have identified four lubricants that significantly increase HIV-1 replication in vitro. In addition, the epithelial damage caused by these and many other lubricants may have implications for enhancing HIV transmission in vivo. These data underscore the importance that more rigorous safety testing should be performed on these products.

 

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CDC Study – Reverse Sequence Syphilis Screening Algorithm

February 2011

CDC Study on Reverse Sequence Syphilis Screening Algorithm

Traditionally, the screening algorithm for syphilis has used a nontreponemal screening test (i.e., RPR or VDRL), followed by a confirmatory test for treponemal antigen (i.e., FTA-Abs or TP-PA). However, some municipalities with a high volume of syphilis testing, such as New York City, have begun to use a new algorithm with automated EIA as an initial treponemal screen, followed by the nontreponemal RPR to confirm the need for treatment.

To determine whether additional recommendations were warranted due to this alternative testing algorithm, CDC analyzed data from five studies of reverse sequence syphilis screening. A high percentage (56.7%) of specimens with a reactive EIA/CIA screening test had a nonreactive nontreponemal RPR test, suggesting an increased rate of false-positive results according to the alternative testing algorithm. The report concludes that the traditional testing should be used with nontreponemal tests for screening and treponemal testing be used to confirm syphilis.

For more the full CDC report, click here: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6005a1.htm?s_cid=mm6005a1_w

For the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute’s guidelines, see Management of STIs in HIV-Infected Patients: Syphilis.

 

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Recall of Triad Group Alcohol Prep Products

February 2011

Genentech has issued the following Dear Healthcare Professional letter for users of Fuzeon and certain other other injection products:

IMPORTANT DRUG WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REGARDING ALCOHOL PREP PADS MANUFACTURED BY TRIAD CO-PACKAGED WITH GENENTECH PRODUCTS
(Fuzeon® (enfuvirtide); Boniva® Injection (ibandronate sodium); Pegasys® (pegylated interferon alfa-2a); TNKase® (tenecteplase); Nutropin AQ® (somatropin (rDNA origin)) Pen 10 Kit; Nutropin AQ® (somatropin (rDNA origin)) Pen 20 Kit)

Dear Healthcare Professional:

Recall of Triad Group Alcohol Prep Products Due to Potential Microbial Contamination
Genentech, Inc., a member of the Roche Group, has learned of a voluntary product recall in the United States involving all lots of alcohol prep pads, alcohol swabs and alcohol swabsticks manufactured by the Triad Group and marketed under various brand names. The Triad Group alcohol prep pads are co-packaged with the following Genentech products: Fuzeon®; Boniva® Injection; Pegasys®; TNKase®; Nutropin AQ® Pen 10 Kit; and Nutropin AQ® Pen 20 Kit. The Genentech medicines have not been affected in any way. In the interest of patient safety, Genentech wants to ensure that you and your patients are aware of this recall of only the alcohol prep products by the Triad Group.

This recall by the Triad Group has been initiated due to concerns about potential bacterial contamination of the alcohol prep products with Bacillus cereus. This recall involves alcohol prep products marked as sterile, as well as non-sterile products. As indicated on the FDA website in regard to this recall: “Use of contaminated alcohol prep pads, alcohol swabs and alcohol swabsticks could lead to life-threatening infections, especially in at-risk populations, including immune suppressed and surgical patients.” It is important to note that the packaged Genentech products and components (with the exception of the alcohol prep pads) have not been contaminated and may continue to be used in accordance with the package insert.

Genentech recommends that you immediately discontinue use of the alcohol prep pads packaged with these medicines. Inform your patients of this recall and request that they immediately discontinue using the co-packaged alcohol prep pads. The prep pads should be disposed of in the trash. When administering an injection of any of these Genentech products, healthcare providers and patients should use an alternative alcohol prep product that is not involved with this recall or alternatively use a sterile gauze pad in conjunction with isopropyl alcohol for disinfecting the injection site prior to administration.

Genentech is in discussion with the FDA and is currently assessing alternatives to address the situation.

Additional information on this recall by the Triad Group can be found on the FDA’s website: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ ucm239319.htm.

If you or your patients have any further questions or require additional information, please contact the Genentech Resource Center at 1-877-GENENTECH.
You are encouraged to report side effects associated with the use of these products to Genentech and the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program, which can be found at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For the Fuzeon indication, full prescribing information, and important safety information, please visit www.fuzeon.com.
For the Boniva indication, full prescribing information, and important safety information, please visit www.boniva.com.
For the Pegasys indication, full prescribing information, and important safety information including Boxed WARNING and Medication Guide, please visit www.pegasys.com.
For the TNKase indication, full prescribing information, and important safety information, please visit www.tnkase.com.
For the Nutropin AQ indication, full prescribing information, and important safety information, please visit www.nutropin.com.

 

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New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute Advisory Committee News Briefs - January 2011

February 2011

The AIDS Institute’s Quality of Care Advisory Committee (QAC) and the AIDS Institute’s Quality of Care Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) are two advisory bodies that allow the AIDS Institute to engage in discussions about quality of care issues with HIV providers and consumers from around the state. The following News Briefs have been developed in an effort to keep all up to date on the activities of these committees. News Briefs will continue to be issued after each of the quarterly meetings of these committees.

HIV Quality of Care Advisory Committee Meeting Brief Issue 1, December 2010 (Adobe Acrobat)

Consumer Advisory Committee January 2011 News Brief (Adobe Acrobat)

 

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Agency Operational Plans for Implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy

February 2011

One of the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy was to refocus existing efforts and deliver better results to the American people within current funding levels, as well as make the case for new investments. The Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) is excited to share some of the progress the Obama Administration has made over the last few months.

Last July, when we released the Strategy, the President issued a Presidential Memorandum that directed six lead agencies (Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs) to submit agency operational plans . He also directed the Department of Defense, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Department of State to provide recommendations for implementing the Strategy.

ONAP is pleased to release the plans developed by the agencies, as well as an overview report that we produced to demonstrate the synergies achieved by having all of the lead agencies work toward shared goals. The ONAP Overview Report and the individual plans themselves can all be accessed at AIDS.gov by clicking on the following link: http://www.aids.gov/federal-resources/policies/national-hiv-aids-strategy/whats-next/agency-operational-plans.html.

 

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CDC's Interim Guidance on PrEP for the Prevention of HIV Infection in Men Who Have Sex with Men

January 2011

Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for 53% of the estimated incident infections in the United States, and surveillance data suggest that the annual number of new HIV infections among MSM has been rising since the mid-1990s. In November 2010, investigators for the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Initiative study announced results from a multinational clinical trial of daily oral antiretrovirals to prevent acquisition of HIV infection among uninfected but exposed MSM. This report provides interim guidance to health-care providers based on the reported results of that trial.

To view the report, please visit the CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6003a1.htm?s_cid=mm6003a1_w

 

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New York Statewide HIV/AIDS Training Calendar January - June 2011

January 2011

The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute is pleased to announce the availability of the January – June 2011 Statewide HIV/AIDS Training Calendar.

Please click here to download and view the training calendar.

 

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Updated DHHS Adult and Adolescent Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines Now Available

January 2011

AIDSinfo announces the release of the updated Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents. The preface to the guidelines, What’s New in the Guidelines?, provides a summary of key updates including changes in the sections on Laboratory Testing, What to Start, and Considerations for Antiretroviral Use in Patients with Coinfections. In addition, the updated guidelines include a new table format presenting antiretroviral-associated adverse events by drug class. Significant changes from the previous version of the guidelines also are highlighted in yellow throughout the document.

The updated guidelines can be downloaded from the Adult and Adolescent Guidelines section of AIDSinfo. Individual PDFs of all “boxed” recommendations and all tables in the guidelines also are available. Go to the AIDSinfo Order Publications page to request the guidelines via e-mail.

 

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Institute of Medicine Issues Second Report on HIV Screening and Access to Care

February 2011

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released the second report in a series that evaluates HIV testing policies and access to care. This report, which is entitled “HIV Screening and Access to Care: Exploring the Impact of Policies on Access to and Provision of HIV Care”, examines how Federal and State laws and policies and private health insurance policies affect entry into clinical care and the provision of continuous and sustained care for people with HIV.

To obtain a copy of the report or the first report released from the Committee, please visit the IOM website at: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2011/HIV-Screening-and-Access-to-Care-Exploring-the-Impact-of-Policies-on-Access-to-and-Provision-of-HIV-Care.aspx

 

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HRSA Announcement: New Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Grant Competition: Health Center Planning Grants (HRSA-11-021)

January 2011

HRSA Announcement: New Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Grant Competition: Health Center Planning Grants (HRSA-11-021)

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) is pleased to announce the release of Funding Opportunity Announcement HRSA-11-021: Health Center Planning Grants. Health Center Planning Grants (HCPGs) are considered to be a useful aid in the development of viable proposals to establish new health centers (i.e. Community Health Center (CHC), Migrant Health Center (MHC), Health Care for the Homeless (HCH), and Public Housing Primary Care (PHPC) Programs that will meet Federal requirements for need, services, management, and governance under the Health Center Program. A summary of the key health center program requirements is available at http://bphc.hrsa.gov/about/requirements.htm. HRSA is offering HCPGs to expand the current safety net on a national basis by targeting planning and developmental efforts in areas not currently served by a funded health center and/or in areas of unmet need. Organizations eligible to compete include public or nonprofit entities, including tribal, faith-based and community-based organizations.

Please visit the Grants.gov website at: www.grants.gov to access the HRSA-11-021: Health Center Planning Grants application guidance detailing the eligibility requirements, review criteria and awarding factors for organizations seeking a HCPG in FY 2011. Additional technical assistance information is provided at http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/apply/assistance/planning.

The application for completing the Health Center Planning Grant application process is divided into two phases:

Phase 1: Applicants will enter Grants.gov and complete the Standard form SF 424, Project Summary/Abstract and the HHS Checklist. These documents must be completed and successfully submitted via Grants.gov by 8:00 PM ET on or before March 18, 2011.

Phase 2: After completing the Grants.gov portion of the application process, applicants will enter HRSA’s EHBs and complete all other components of the application which must be submitted by 5:00 PM ET on or before April 8, 2011.

No paper applications will be accepted without prior written approval from HRSA’s Division of Grants Policy.

For more information about this funding opportunity, please contact Xanthia James in the Office of Policy and Program Development by e-mail at: bphcplanning@hrsa.gov

 

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USDA and HHS Announce New Dietary Guidelines to Help Americans Make Healthier Food Choices and Confront Obesity Epidemic

February 2011

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius announced the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government’s evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.

For more information and to view a press release, please visit the Department of Health and Human Services website at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/01/20110131a.html

 

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NYC DOHMH: Teens in NYC

February 2011

Teens in NYC

Teens in NYC… is a wallet-sized booklet that lists clinics in all five boroughs that provide high quality, confidential and free or very low-cost sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents. These services include:

  • Condoms
  • Birth control
  • Emergency contraception (morning-after pill)
  • STD testing and treatment
  • HIV testing
  • Pregnancy testing

To obtain printed copies of Teens in NYC…, please call 311.

Click here to learn more

 

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NYC DOHMH Takes Its Latest HIV Awareness Campaign to the Subway

February 2011

Agency’s new subway posters show how HIV can lead to other serious diseases

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has debuted the subway ad component of its latest HIV prevention campaign, “It’s Never Just HIV.” Reinforcing the campaign video spot released in December, the posters speak directly to those currently at greatest risk to become infected – men who have sex with men – in an effort to combat complacency about HIV while promoting condom use. The ads serve as a stark reminder that when you are infected with HIV, it’s never just HIV; the infection has lifelong consequences that can range from dementia to bone loss and cancer even though treatment can control the virus and save lives.

Click here to learn more

 

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VOICES 2011 Call for Abstracts - Deadline Monday, February 14

February 2011

Call for Abstracts

–Deadline: Monday, February 14–

This is a call for submissions of abstracts to be considered for presentation at VOICES 2011, AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families annual conference–to be held May 21-23, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia right outside of Washington, DC.

The mission of AIDS Alliance is to advance the partnership between providers and consumers and to be the voice of women, children, youth and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The VOICES conference embodies that mission. VOICES is a forum for providers–nurses, social workers, physicians, program administrators, case managers and care coordinators–and consumers to come together for the only national conference dedicated to HIV/AIDS and women, children, youth, and families.

There are seven main workshop tracks:

  • Care & Treatment
  • HIV Prevention
  • Living Positively
  • Policy & Advocacy
  • Program/ Network Management & Leadership
  • Quality Improvement
  • Youth

The deadline for abstract submission is 5:00 pm ET, Monday, February 14, 2011. Click here to download a submission form or visit: http://www.aids-alliance.org.

Abstracts will be reviewed by the VOICES Conference Planning Committee. Notifications of selected abstracts will be sent to lead presenters via email by Tuesday, March 15.

 

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Metronidazole Tablets, 250mg: Recall - Underweight Tablets

January 2011

Teva Pharmaceuticals and FDA notified healthcare professionals and the public of a recall of Metronidazole Tablets USP, 250mg, lot #312566, expiration date 05/2012. This product lot is being recalled due to the presence of underweight tablets. Underweight tablets may not contain the full amount of active ingredient within a single tablet, and a consumer may not receive the prescribed dose. This may cause the infection the drug was intended to treat to worsen or recur, which could be life-threatening when treating severe infections.

To read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the Press Release, please visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm239312.htm

Please click here to download the 2011 NYC DOHMH Health Update # 1.

 

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Materials Posted for December 9, 2010 HIV Quality of Care Advisory Committee Meeting Materials

January 2011

The materials from the December 9, 2010 HIV Quality of Care Advisory Committee Meeting are now posted.

Please click here to view the meeting materials.

 

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Request for Abstract Reviewers for the 2011 National HIV Prevention Conference

January 2011

Request for Abstract Reviewers
2011 National HIV Prevention Conference
August 14-17, 2011

The 2011 National HIV Prevention Conference needs abstract reviewers. Reviewers should be available to review abstracts during the time period of February 14 through March 4. Each reviewer will be assigned 15-20 abstracts for review. We estimate that it will take about 10 minutes to review each abstract or less than 4 hours of review time. If you’re interested in being a reviewer, please complete the reviewer form via the website at: http://2011nhpc.org/reviewer1.asp.

If you have further questions the primary contact for this announcement is Mari Brown and she may be contacted at mkb1@cdc.gov.

Visit the website at www.2011nhpc.org for latest information.

 

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HIV/AIDS Clinical Education - New CME Courses

January 2011

New CME Courses & Learning Materials

Four new CME courses available online
Nine new PRN videos
Eight new multimedia learning resources

New CME Courses Available!

The Clinical Education Initiative is pleased to announce the availability of four new courses. Each course is free and can be taken online at any time.

  • Management of Alcohol Use in HIV Patients
  • HIV Medication Errors
  • Prevention For Positives and Negatives
  • HIV and Oral Health Care

Visit http://www.ceitraining.org/cme/ today to signup for these training opportunities.

Latest Learning Material

 

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2010 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines

December 2010

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the publication of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines—2010, which update the 2006 Guidelines, in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) December 17, 2010 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Recommendations and Reports. The Guidelines are available on the MMWR’s website and through CDC’s STD Treatment Guidelines 2010 webpage.

For more information, please download the following:

  • New York State Department of Health announcement

  • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announcement

  • CDC Dear Colleague Letter

    • From 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET on Thursday, January 13, 2011 there will be an STD Treatment Guidelines Webinar: An Overview by CDC and the NNPTC. The webinar is for clinicians providing care for persons with or at risk for STDs and/or clinicians and other staff working in health care settings that provide clinical care for persons with or at risk for STDs.

    Click here for more information and online registration.

    Note: To receive CMEs viewers must individually register online by January 12, 2011.

     

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    AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families' Open Call for Committee Nominations

    January 2011

    Are you looking to get involved at a national level with HIV/AIDS issues that impact women, youth and families living with HIV?

    AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families is soliciting individuals to become members of their leadership committees. Consumers, providers and other interested individuals in the United States–including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands–are encouraged to apply. Individuals directly affiliated with a Part D program as well as those from other funded programs that serve women, youth, children and families living with or at risk for HIV are eligible.

    Committee responsibilities generally involve participating in one-hour long monthly committee conference calls and limited (2-3 hrs/month maximum) preparatory work for these calls that helps to inform and shape AIDS Alliance work. Consumers, providers and other interested individuals may be nominated, including self-nomination for the following committees:


    1. Consumer Committee: Serves as a representative voice for consumers served by AIDS Alliance. Members of the Consumer Committee will have the opportunity to share views on policy and programmatic issues and make recommendations to AIDS Alliance Board and leadership. Consumer Committee membership must be 70% PLWHA.

    2. Program Committee: Will identify, analyze and review emerging issues and program needs of consumer and provider constituency of AIDS Alliance, and includes the oversight of the development of the annual VOICES conference.

    3. Public Policy Committee: Will oversee and guide all public policy and advocacy work conducted by AIDS Alliance, including the identification and prioritization of federal and state level issues that most impact on women, youth and families with HIV and the Part D and other providers that serve them.

    4. Youth/Young Adult Advisory Committee: Will provide insight, guidance and opinions to the Executive Director and staff on issues that impact young people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. Young people up to the age of 26 are encouraged to apply.

    If you are interested in being considered for one of these committees please send an email to info@aids-alliance.org that states the committee you are interested in, a brief statement that describes your interest in this committee and your relevant experience, and your resume or CV.

    The success and relevance of our work is dependent upon having the voices and experiences of providers and consumers from around the country informing our work. We hope that you will consider nominating yourself for one of these committees.

     

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    Partner Services Patient’s Guide Brochure

    January 2011

    INFORMING your past and current partners is HIV PREVENTION

    Partner Services is a free Health Department program that assists people with HIV by helping patients plan how to best notify sex and/or needle sharing partners of a possible exposure to HIV. Partner Services is voluntary.

    Partner Services can be used by people newly diagnosed with HIV or people who have been aware of their HIV status for some time.

    Partner Services is a confidential program. This means that your name will not be shared with your partners, and no one can find out that you used Partner Services.

    Click here to download and view the Partner Services Patient’s Guide brochure.

    Click here to download and view the Partner Services Is HIV Prevention brochure.

    For more information on guidance for Reporting and Partner Notification, please visit the New York State Department of Health website at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/regulations/.

     

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    SAMHSA: mental health AIDS, Winter 2011

    December 2010

    mental health AIDS is a quarterly biopsychosocial research update on HIV and mental health issued by Center of Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Each issue also includes a “tool box” feature article, plus the newest resources (books, articles, Web sites) for clinical practice. Click here to download the Winter 2011 newsletter.

    For more informaton, please visit the mental health AIDS website at: http://mentalhealthaids.samhsa.gov/

     

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    Social Media: Going Viral Against HIV and STIs Webcast

    December 2010

    A Forum on Social Media – December 7, 2010

    On December 7, 2010, the AIDS Institute of the New York State Department of Health, together with AIDS.gov, sponsored the first forum to explore the use of social media specifically for HIV and STIs services.

    It was held at the Kimmel Center of New York University and featured presentations on a broad range of topics, from the impact of social media on health communications to cyberbullying, specific media tools, and planning, implementing, and evaluating social media programs.

    Participating in the free, day-long event were about 200 executive directors and communications staff from community-based organizations, hospitals, health centers, health departments, and public health organizations, as well as the New York State Commissioner of Health, the Director of the AIDS Institute, and the New York City Council Speaker.

    The enthusiasm of all attendees and examples of the innovative social media programs already being implemented promise a rich new era for interactive communication about HIV and STIs.

    All sessions were videotaped and most were webcast.

    Please click here to view the archived webcast.

     

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    Pediatric HIVQUAL-T: Measuring and Improving the Quality of Pediatric HIV Care in Thailand, 2005-2007

    December 2010

    A recent publication from the HIVQUAL team in Thailand, Pediatric HIVQUAL-Thailand in The Joint Commission Journal: Measuring and Improving the Quality of Pediatric HIV Care in Thailand, 2005-2007, focused on the adaptation and implementation of a pediatric HIV care model in that country. This paper represents the great work and impressive programmatic expansion of Thailand’s quality management program, and should serve as a roadmap for other implementing countries in their progress toward a more comprehensive approach to QI to improve the public health.

    To read the article, please visit the HEALTHQUAL International website at: http://www.healthqual.org/index.cfm/22/10210

     

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    2010 Laubenstein Award Recipient

    December 2010

    The Office of the Medical Director is pleased to announce that Dr. Donna Futterman has been selected as the 2010 recipient of the Linda Laubenstein Award for excellence in HIV care. This award honors those clinicians who, in addition to providing the highest quality of clinical care for people with HIV, are distinguished as well by their wholehearted commitment to caring for those with HIV/AIDS. The Laubenstein Award represents an opportunity for the AIDS Institute to highlight the contributions of clinicians whose service has been extraordinary and to thank them publicly for their accomplishments.

    Dr. Futterman, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Director of the Adolescent AIDS Program, and an Associate Attending Physician in the Department of Pediatrics at Montefiore Medical Center, has made many contributions to the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS, including her involvement in the mothers-to-mothers-to-be program, a mentorship program for HIV-infected pregnant women based in Cape Town, South Africa.

    As a result of her leadership, compassion and dedication, Dr. Futterman is recognized among her colleagues for her tireless work within the Adolescent AIDS Program, serving adolescents and their families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. In the 1990s, POZ Magazine named her one of the 50 Most Innovative U.S. AIDS Researchers.

    The HIV Clinical Excellence Award was established in 1992 in memory of Dr. Linda Laubenstein (1957-1992), a Manhattan physician, to honor her pioneering work and outstanding contribution to the quality of AIDS care in the early years of the epidemic. The Laubenstein Award will be presented during the World AIDS Day ceremony in Albany, New York on Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

    2010 Linda Laubenstein Award Brochure (Adobe Acrobat)

    Linda Laubenstein Award Description

    Previous Award Recipients

    Photo and Award Brochure Archives

     

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    HHC Today: The Graying of HIV

    December 2010

    As HHC continues to be in the forefront of offering HIV testing, medical providers are treating HIV patients who are living longer – and getting older.

    Dr. James Schmidtberger, an attending physician at Gouverneur Healthcare Services, says he has patients who were not expecting to still be his patients in the year 2010. “There are plenty of patients who I knew when they were 40 and they didn’t think they were going to live to be 50. And now they’re in their 50s and 60s.”

    To read this article, please visit the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/html/newsletter/201012-graying-hiv.shtml

     

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    Health Department Media Campaign Shows How HIV Can Compromise Health

    December 2010

    New Health Department Media Campaign Shows How HIV Can Compromise Health and Well Being, Even when Treatment Controls the Infection

    Video spots promote condom use and partner reduction among gay men and other men who have sex with men

    When you get HIV, it’s never just HIV. Treatment can control the virus and save your life, but the infection still has lifelong consequences that can range from dementia to bone loss and cancer. That is the message of a new Health Department educational campaign that debuts this week on television and the Internet. The campaign speaks directly to the city’s most heavily affected population – gay men and other men who have sex with men – in an effort to combat complacency about HIV.

    Read the press release

    Watch the video

    Download the Brochure: HIV, Gay Men and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men (PDF)

    Learn more

     

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    Mayor Bloomberg Commemorates World AIDS Day and Launches 'Brooklyn Knows' Voluntary HIV Testing Initiative

    December 2010

    Brooklyn KnowsNew Brooklyn Effort Will Build on Successful Bronx Testing Program

    Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced an ambitious new initiative in New York City’s fight against HIV/AIDS. In a morning commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Mayor officially launched Brooklyn Knows, a community-based testing effort that aims to help a half-million Brooklyn residents learn their HIV status over the next four years, and highlighted the city’s leadership to date in making HIV testing a routine part of health care. The Mayor was joined at the Brooklyn Public Library by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley, and awardees who accepted a proclamation and individual certificates for their extraordinary work in helping New York City combat the epidemic: Dr. Leonard Berkowitz, Medical Director of the PATH (Program for AIDS Treatment and Health) Center; Elaine Greeley, Executive Director of Brooklyn AIDS Task Force; Dr. Luis Freddy Molano, Assistant Vice President for HIV Programs at the Community Healthcare Network; and Dr. David Holson, Director of Emergency Medicine at Queens Hospital Center.

    To view the entire press release, please click here.

    For more information, please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml.

     

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    CHI: Diagnosing and Managing Hepatitis C

    December 2010

    Diagnosing and Managing Hepatitis C

    In this issue:

    • Clinical Features and Natural History
    • Screening for HCV
    • Testing for HCV
    • Managing Patients with HCV Infection
    • Treatment and Referral
    • Special Populations
      • People with HIV
      • Pregnant Women and Infants

    Please click here, to download the entire CHI article on Diagnosing and Managing Hepatitis C.

    For more information, please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/chi/chi.shtml

    City Health Information is a publication produced by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as a primary means of communicating public health information to the City’s medical care community.

     

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    Approval of Rapid INSTI[TM] HIV-1 Antibody Test

    December 2010

    On November 29, 2010 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of the INSTI[TM] HIV-1 Antibody Test, a new, single use rapid test for the detection of antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) in human venipuncture whole blood, fingerstick blood, or plasma specimens. The newly approved test provides results in as little as 60 seconds, in contrast to the six previously approved rapid HIV tests, which typically deliver results in about 10 – 20 minutes.

    To read the entire article, please visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm235483.htm

     

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    POZ Magazine’s December Issue Recognizes NYSDOH AIDS Institute's Director as Part of the POZ 100

    December 2010

    POZ magazine’s December issue recognizes the POZ 100–”Some of the bravest, most dogged and downright effective AIDS fighters we know.”

    Humberto Cruz, the director of the NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute, a member of PACHA, founding member of NASTAD, former member of the NYC HIV Health and Human Services Planning Council, Cruz harkens from the early days; he lends his wisdom and power to advance today’s ever-evolving agenda at the national, state and local levels.

    Go to http://www.poz.com/articles/POZ_100_HIV to see the full article.

     

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    The Global Fund Approves US$1.7 Billion in New Grants

    December 2010

    Sofia – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria’s Board of Directors approved 79 grants with a two-year commitment of US$1.7 billion.

    It is the tenth time the Global Fund Board approved new proposals to support programs fighting the three diseases. The total approved funding for these ten rounds is US$21.7 billion for 150 countries since it was created in 2002.

    The US$1.7 billion is made up of US$732 million for HIV and AIDS, US$574 for malaria and US$299 million for TB and US$128 million for health systems strengthening. The 79 proposals which were found to be of sufficient technical quality to be funded constitute a success rate of just over half of the submitted proposals.

    To read the complete press release, please visit The Global Fund Media Center website at: http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/pressreleases/?pr=pr_101215.

    For more information on the work of the Global Fund, please visit The Global Funs website at: www.theglobalfund.org.

     

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    Microbicide Senior Research and Development Advisor - CAMRIS International

    December 2010

    CAMRIS International working with USAID seeks a highly motivated Microbicide Senior Research and Development Advisor to provide expert technical advice and other services including but not limited to strategic oversight, the provision of technical recommendations and guidance in the areas of HIV Microbicide and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) research and product development.

    For more information, please visit the CAMRIS International website at: http://www.camris.com.

     

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    National AIDS Fund and AIDS Action Merge

    December 2010

    The National AIDS Fund, a grantmaking public charity, and AIDS Action, a nonprofit advocacy organization — both based in Washington, D.C. — have announced a merger to create AIDS United, a national organization that will work to connect funding, advocacy, and capacity-building programs in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the United States.

    AIDS United will combine the expertise of NAF, AIDS Action, and their local and regional partners to support community-driven HIV prevention and access to care programs. More than 56,000 people in the United States become infected with HIV each year, and more than 600,000 people currently living with HIV are not receiving access to life-saving care.

    “Leading National AIDS Organizations Merge to Form AIDS United.” AIDS Action Press Release 11/22/10.

     

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    PEP Widget for HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

    September 2009

    CEI PEP Widget

    CEI PEP Widget

    PEP Information at your fingertips

    Download the CEI PEP Widget. The widget is a desktop application that contains the latest PEP information in video and text format. An online version of the widget is available too.

    For more information, please visit the New York State HIV Clinical Education Initiative website at http://www.ceitraining.org/

     

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    In Memoriam: Keith Krasinski, MD

    October 2010

    Keith Krasinski Photo

    It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Keith Krasinski, MD.

    Keith Krasinski, MD, dedicated his life to providing the best treatment available to pediatric patients infected with HIV. He served on the New York State Department of Health’s AIDS Institute’s Committee for the Care of Children and Adolescents with HIV Infection shortly after pediatric HIV was first identified, and became Chair of this committee in 1997. He led the committee in developing a much-needed collection of clinical practice guidelines for pediatric practitioners in New York State. Committee members who served alongside Dr. Krasinski recall his inspired and effective leadership during the desperate early years of the HIV pandemic, and how he worked tirelessly to advocate for excellence in the care of some of the youngest victims and their families.

    One of his greatest achievements was in 2000, when he worked with New York Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn to establish a newborn screening program to detect infants at risk for HIV infection, which has been critical in preventing perinatal transmission in New York State through intrapartum and postpartum prophylaxis.

    Keith was Professor of Pediatrics and Environmental Medicine at NYU, hospital epidemiologist at Bellevue, a long-standing member of the NYS AIDS Advisory Council, and past director of the NYU’s Institutional Review Board.

    Keith Krasinski graduated from the University of Illinois School of Medicine and completed a pediatric residency and infectious disease fellowship at the Children’s Hospital at the University of Texas SW Medical School. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

    His colleagues remember him as a true pioneer and genuinely feel that it was a pleasure to work with him and an honor to know him.

     

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    Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A Major Advance in HIV Prevention Research

    November 2010

    The National Institutes of Health announced the results of the international iPrEx clinical trial, co-sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, that examined whether a pill containing two drugs used to treat HIV can also help prevent HIV infection – an approach called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. The trial found that daily oral use of tenofovir plus emtricitabine (brand named Truvada ®) provided an average of 44 percent (95% CI 15 to 63%) additional protection to trial participants that included gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as transgendered women who have sex with men. These participants also received a comprehensive package of prevention services that included monthly HIV testing, condom provision, counseling, and management of other sexually transmitted infections.

    A key finding of this trial was that the level of protection individuals received from PrEP was dependent on how consistently participants used PrEP. Among those whose data (based on self-reports, bottles dispensed, and pill counts) indicates use on 90 percent or more days, HIV risk was reduced by roughly 73 percent (95% CI 41 to 88%); while among those whose adherence by the same measure was less than 90 percent, HIV risk was reduced by only 21 percent (95% CI, from 52% reduction to a 31% increase). Risk behavior among participants declined overall during the trial both in terms of decreases in the number of sexual partners and increases in condom use, likely as a result of the intensive risk reduction counseling provided as part of the trial.

    To download and read the complete Dear Colleague Letter from the DHHS, please click here.

    For additional information, please refer to the PrEP fact sheet on the CDC’s website by clicking here.

    Additional information can be viewed on the NIAID’s website by clicking here. A Q&A can be viewed by clicking here.

    The following are a series of brief podcast commentaries by Johns Hopkins HIV expert, Dr Joel Gallant:

    Drugs work. A two-drug combination taken daily in men at risk to become infected with HIV largely prevented infection with the virus, a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed. Joel Gallant, an HIV expert at Johns Hopkins, lauds the study.
    Listen Now

    Who’s paying? How would efforts to prevent HIV infection with drugs be funded? Joel Gallant, an HIV expert at Johns Hopkins, comments.
    Listen Now

    Not enough testing. Most Americans still don’t know their HIV status. Joel Gallant, an HIV expert at Johns Hopkins, says there’s a very compelling reason to test everyone. Listen Now

    Transplant cure. A single patient cured of HIV by a bone marrow transplant isn’t a trend. But Joel Gallant, an HIV expert at Johns Hopkins, comments. Listen Now

     

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    NYSDOH Articles on Success in Reduction of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV

    November 2010

    The November/December 2010 issue of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice features articles from the New York State Department of Health describing their success in reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

    These articles and accompanying editorials are open access and can be accessed here: http://journals.lww.com/jphmp/pages/currenttoc.aspx?WT.mc_id=EMxj08×20101103xL3.

     

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    HEALTHQUAL Brief on Quality Improvement and Tuberculosis, Issue III & IV

    November 2010

    HEALTHQUAL International is pleased to present the third and fourth issues as a combined volume to conclude this series on quality improvement in tuberculosis care and treatment programs.

    These “Briefs” have covered a range of innovative and effective improvement activities aimed at curbing TB infection – highlighting tools for the integration of HIV/TB programs, and describing government-level efforts to build and reinforce systems focused on reducing the burden of TB and TB/HIV coinfection.

    Issues III and IV in this four-part series highlight QI activities from three continents, including Mozambique, Guyana, Namibia and Thailand.

    HEALTHQUAL looks forward to bringing you more great QI activities in future issues.

    To download and view this HEALTHQUAL Brief, please click here.

    To view previous HEALTHQUAL Updates, please visit: http://www.hivguidelines.org/quality-of-care/healthqual-international/updates/.

     

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    Get Vital Information on HIV Testing

    December 2010

    CDC Vital Signs offers recent data on the important health topics of key diseases, conditions, or risk factors. Data is gathered from CDC’s national monitoring systems to show progress in important areas of public health, and the ways people can increase their health, prevent or control disease.

    For information on HIV Testing in the United States, please visit the CDC’s website at: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/HIVtesting/

     

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    Objective for Healthy People 2020 Includes LGBT Health

    December 2010

    The Department of Health and Human Services has launched Healthy People 2020, the federal government’s agenda for improving the health of Americans, which includes for the first time a section devoted to LGBT health. The blueprint includes a call for the development and dissemination of successful interventions to curb HIV rates among gay and bisexual men.

    For more information, please click here.

     

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    New York State HIV Testing Law, Changes Effective September 1, 2010

    September 2010

    On July 30, 2010 Governor David A. Paterson signed Chapter 308 of the Laws of 2010 authorizing significant changes in HIV testing in New York State. This law was enacted to increase HIV testing in the State and promote HIV-positive persons entering into treatment. Implementing this legislation is critical, since approximately 20 percent of HIV-positive New Yorkers are unaware of their infection status and 33 percent of persons newly identified with HIV are diagnosed with AIDS within one year.

    Please click here to download and view the documents regarding the implementation of Chapter 308 of the Laws of 2010.

    Updated versions of the Implementation Guidelines, model forms and Part B Form will be made available shortly on the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/testing/hiv_testing_law.htm. Additionally, this information will be available on the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2010/pr043-10.shtml.

    Questions regarding the new HIV Testing Law can be addressed to the New York State Department of Health by email at: hivtestlaw@health.state.ny.us


    Watch Webcast
    Click here to watch the New York State Amended HIV Testing Public Health Law Webcast.

     

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    All-Country Learning Network 2010 Proceedings

    November 2010

    ACLN 2010 Proceedings

    HEALTHQUAL International is very pleased to post the official Proceedings from the All-Country Learning Network, February 22-26, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    To download the complete issue of this newsletter, with images, please visit the HEALTHQUAL website at: http://healthqual.org/index.cfm/22/10017.

     

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    Improving the Management of HIV Disease Web-Based CME Conference

    November 2010

    Tuesday, October 5, 2010
    New York Marriott Marquis
    New York, New York

    One in a series of free online CME activities Sponsored by the International AIDS Society–USA (IAS–USA)

    Overview

    CME Credit Available: Maximum of 5.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
    Release Date: October 19, 2010
    Expiration Date: October 20, 2011

    Needs and Objectives

    Upon completion of this activity, learners will be able to:

    • Describe the current potential of gene therapy for HIV eradication
    • Describe current data on HIV treatment as prevention
    • Design antiretroviral strategies that consider current data on initiating therapy
    • Explain the key clinical concerns associated with bone disease and vitamin D deficiency in HIV-infected patients
    • Screen HIV-infected patients for non-AIDS-related malignancies
    • Formulate appropriate management strategies for HIV and viral coinfections

    For more information and to view the webcast, please visit the IAS-USA website at: http://www.iasusa.org/webcast/2010/fnewyork/index.html

     

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    Internet-Based Personal Health Records Helpful to Most HIV/AIDS Patients Who Used Them

    November 2010

    AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

    Public health records (PHRs) are a free, secure, Internet-based application that allows patients to retrieve comprehensive information such as laboratory test results and to share their health information with providers. Clinicians may use the application to document and verify demographics, diagnoses, medications, and laboratory data. A new study shows that the majority of HIV/AIDS patients who used the PHR at a San Francisco General Hospital HIV/AIDS clinic found it helped them manage their disease.

    The researchers activated a session tracking tool in order to measure online PHR use and added a 25-item evaluation survey to the PHR. Session usage was tracked for 136 persons, with the median number of sessions being 7 and the median session length being 4 minutes. Thirty-eight percent of this group completed the 25-item survey. Of these, more than 80 percent agreed that the PHR helped them manage their medical problems, prepared them better for their visits, and helped them take charge of their health care.

    The most popular page contained laboratory values, lists of medical conditions, medication lists, and links to information about health conditions. The finding that nearly a third of patients did not agree that the information in their PHR was confidential was surprising. It is not clear whether this concern impacted patients’ PHR use. The PHR, known as “myHERO,” was made available at the HIV/AIDS clinic between March 2007 and December 2008. In this period, 221 of 3,760 patients registered for their online PHR account. Compared with the entire clinic, these initial users were more likely to be white, male, non-Hispanic, on antiretroviral medications, and have better control of their HIV infection.

    The researchers believe that this project demonstrated that HIV/AIDS patients receiving care in a safety-net setting will choose to create, activate, and use a PHR. The study was supported in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (HS17787).

    For more information, please visit the AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website at: http://www.ahrq.gov/research/nov10/1110RA23.htm

     

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    NYSDOH AIDS Institute: 25 Years of Leadership, Service and Compassion

    October 2010

    25 Years of Leadership, Service and Compassion

    This chronological history of the AIDS Institute was prepared in conjunction with the 25-year commemoration of the creation of the AIDS Institute. It includes a brief history of the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York State (NYS), starting in 1981, to provide a context and it describes events leading to the creation of the AIDS Institute in 1983. The history is organized in five-year segments.

    While this document does not contain a complete history of every program or initiative, it includes examples of evolution of some AIDS Institute programs over time. Current information and additional details about AIDS Institute programs and services are presented in “About the AIDS Institute,” which is available on the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) web site. References to AIDS Institute reports and staff-authored publications are provided for use by those interested in accessing greater detail on specific issues or initiatives.

    Click here to download “The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, July 30, 1983-July 30, 2008: 25 Years of Leadership, Service and Compassion.”

     

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    New York State HIV Quality of Care Program is Accepting Nominations for the 2010 Quality Improvement Awards

    November 2010

    The New York State HIV Quality of Care Program is accepting nominations for the 2010 Quality Improvement Awards for programs that have excelled in one of the following areas:

    • Excellence in Quality Performance
    • Senior Leadership in Quality Improvement
    • Achievement in Quality Improvement
    • Consumer Involvement in Quality Improvement

    Please click here to download a complete description of each award criteria.

    Submissions should include the HIV program name, the program contact, the awards category, and a paragraph stating a detailed reason why you believe that the nominee should receive this award. Use specific examples when possible. Please feel free to attach any related materials such as graphs or storyboards to support your award selection. The quality awards nomination deadline is November 15, 2010. Winning programs will be contacted in November. There will be an awards ceremony at the NYS QOC Clinical Advisory Committee Meeting in December.

    Please click here to download the nomination form.

    Completed nomination forms can be sent to Dan Belanger by email at: drb08@health.state.ny.us, by fax at: 1-212-417-4684, or by post at the following address:
    Dan Belanger
    New York State Quality of Care Program
    90 Church Street
    New York, NY 10007

     

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    CDC Offers Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships for HIV Prevention in Communities of Color

    October 2010

    DHAP/ORISE HIV Prevention in Communities of Color Fellowship Program
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) proudly announces that it is offering 2-year post-doctoral research fellowships–the 2011-2013 DHAP/ORISE Post-Doctoral Research Fellowships for HIV Prevention in Communities of Color.

    The mission of this fellowship program is to recruit, mentor, and train investigators to conduct domestic HIV and AIDS prevention research in communities of color. The fellows will be located in various branches in the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Applications will be accepted from November 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010. The fellowships will begin August 1, 2011 and end July 31, 2013. More information about these fellowships and their application procedures and materials may be found at this web site: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/aboutdhap/orise/

     

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    New CDC HIV Surveillance Slides Available

    October 2010

    HIV Surveillance by Race/Ethnicity (through 2008)
    The slide set covering HIV Surveillance by Race/Ethnicity has recently been updated with information from the 2008 HIV Surveillance Report: Diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in the United States and Dependent Areas.

    HIV Surveillance in Women (Through 2008)
    The slide set covering HIV Surveillance in Women has recently been updated with information from the 2008 HIV Surveillance Report: Diagnoses of HIV infection and AIDS in the United States and Dependent Areas.

     

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    NY State Health Department Success in Reducing Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Highlighted in Public Health Journal

    October 2010

    ALBANY, N.Y. (October 18, 2010) – The New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) success in achieving a significant reduction in mother-to-child (perinatal) transmission of HIV is chronicled in two companion papers that appear in the November/December 2010 issue of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice.

    The journal has posted the two articles for public viewing on its web site at: www.jphmp.com.

    Due to the implementation of State policy measures and the work of health care providers and community-based agencies throughout New York State, the rate of perinatal HIV transmission in New York State fell from 11.5 percent at the beginning of the program in 1997 to 1.3 percent in 2008. The journal highlights the unique and comprehensive program launched by the State in 1997 to prevent perinatal transmission of the virus.

    “HIV prevention continues to be a public health priority, including preventing transmission of HIV from childbearing women to their infants,” said State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. “I am proud of the Department’s work to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and reduce the number of HIV and AIDS cases in New York. The progress that has been made, especially in preventing perinatal transmission, reflects the concerted efforts of the Department’s AIDS Institute, Center for Community Health, and Wadsworth Center laboratory, as well as countless front-line health and human service providers across the state.”

    Guthrie S. Birkhead, M.D., Deputy Commissioner of DOH’s Office of Public Health, who has overseen activities to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV since 1995, said: “This work represents the combined efforts of obstetricians, hospitals, laboratories, professional medical societies, community-based organizations, and women living with HIV to eliminate this route of HIV transmission. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedicated efforts of everyone involved in this important work, and New York’s approach to perinatal HIV prevention and newborn HIV testing.”

    AIDS Institute Director Humberto Cruz said: “These two papers highlight an important component of the AIDS Institute’s response to HIV/AIDS in New York State. The creation of the AIDS Institute in 1983 was a vital step to combat HIV/AIDS, and as we look back on our successful efforts, we look ahead to building on our accomplishments to protect public health through prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment.”

    By 1987, State health officials knew they were facing a major public health crisis when they discovered that one out of every 61 babies in New York State was born exposed to HIV. An estimated 25 percent to 30 percent of these babies were found to have been infected by transmission from their mothers.

    Based on growing knowledge that antiretroviral medications could prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, it became imperative to know if a pregnant woman was infected with HIV so that preventive medicine could by administered. A multifaceted public health response was launched to increase the number of pregnant women tested for HIV. In the mid-1990s, only 50 percent of pregnant women knew their HIV status, but through intensive efforts by DOH and health care providers across the state, that number has topped 95 percent each year since 2003. At the same time, the proportion of HIV-infected mothers accessing prenatal care increased to nearly 97 percent

    As a result, New York’s perinatal HIV transmission rate declined to 1.3 percent in 2008, a major decrease from 11.5 percent in 1997 and an estimated rate of 25-30 percent prior to 1995. In 1997, 99 exposed infants in New York State were determined to be HIV infected, but in 2008, that number had dropped to six. In addition, by 2008, 93 percent of mothers with HIV and 99.7 percent of infants exposed to the disease were receiving antiretroviral prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection.

    Two commentaries accompanying the journal articles described the progress in New York State as “a remarkable feat given the vulnerability and often difficult-to-reach population of HIV-infected women,” but cautioned that “meeting the complex needs of HIV-infected children and adolescents remains challenging.”

    Journal Editor Lloyd Novick, M.D., M.P.H., who also chairs the Department of Public Health at Brody School of Medicine of East Carolina University, said, “The Journal of Public Health and Management Practice is pleased to publish such significant accomplishments of one of the leading public health agencies in the world.”

    Additional information about the AIDS Institute’s role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be found in the publication, “The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, July 30, 1983-July 30, 2008: 25 Years of Leadership, Service and Compassion,” available by clicking here.

    For more information, please visit the New York State Department of Health website at: http://www.nyhealth.gov/.

     

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    HEALTHQUAL Brief on Quality Improvement and Tuberculosis, Issue II

    October 2010

    HEALTHQUAL International is pleased to present the second issue in a four-part series on quality improvement in tuberculosis care and treatment programs.

    Each of these “Briefs” covers innovative and effective improvement activities aimed at curbing TB infection – highlighting tools for the integration of HIV/TB programs, and describing government-level efforts to build and reinforce systems focused on reducing the burden of TB and TB/HIV coinfection.

    Issue II in this four-part series highlights Namibia’s public health approach to TB care and treatment and the integration of QI into their national program. This issue also includes clinic-level QI activities aimed at improving TB Assessment from Haiti’s Hôpital St.-Antoine de Jérémie.

    Once again, HEALTHQUAL International is very excited to share this important work, and looks forward to bringing you the rest of this series.

    To download and view this HEALTHQUAL Brief, please click here.

    To view previous HEALTHQUAL Updates, please visit: http://www.hivguidelines.org/quality-of-care/healthqual-international/updates/.

     

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    Harm Reduction Coalition Now Has a Weekly Podcast

    October 2010

    The Harm Reduction Coalition has launched a weekly podcast! You can download it from I-Tunes or you can listen at the Harm Reduction Coalition website at: http://www.harmreduction.org/article.php?id=1115.

    The concept is that it’s an aural version of the Harm Reduction Communication. It’s a chatty radio show featuring the work and views of people in the harm reduction community.

    Episode one features Paula Santiago of HRC, Jennifer Herrera Y Nava from AIDS Services of Austin, Phil Terry from Prevention Works and Cyndee Clay from HIPS.

    Episode 2 is an extended interview with David Munar from the AIDS Foundation of Chicago talking about what the new National HIV AIDS Strategy means for drug users.

    Episode 3 will feature Jeff McDowall from Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition, Sharon Stancliff talking about auto disable syringes (don’t inject and drive!) and Joy Rucker from Casa Segura.

    For more information, please visit the Harm Reduction Coalition website at: http://www.harmreduction.org/index.php.

    You can also find more information by clicking here.

     

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    Materials Posted for September 16, 2010 HIV Quality of Care Advisory Committee Meeting

    October 2010

    The materials from the September 16, 2010 HIV Quality of Care Advisory Committee Meeting are now posted.

    Please click here to view the meeting materials.

     

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    NASTAD Statement of Urgency - HIV and STD Crisis Among Gay Men

    October 2010

    The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) released a statement saying that a recent study published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) confirms that HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains high, many HIV-infected MSM are unaware that they are infected, and minority MSM are disproportionately affected by HIV. The data confirm the need to scale-up prevention efforts for gay men of all races and ethnicities. The published data reinforce the NASTAD and National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) Statement of Urgency released in June.

    To view the MMWR report, Prevalence and Awareness of HIV Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men — 21 Cities, United States, 2008, click here.

    To read the Statement of Urgency, click here.

     

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    Red Ribbon, Silver Threads: Healthy Aging with HIV/AIDS

    September 2010

    Red Ribbon, Silver Threads: Healthy Aging in the Era of HIV/AIDS

    Earlier this year, in response to the increasing number of older adults living with HIV and the often unrecognized threat of HIV infection among people over 50, the AIDS Institute held a forum — Red Ribbon, Silver Threads: Healthy Aging in the Era of HIV/AIDS. The forum attracted more than 170 experts in the fields of geriatrics, chronic disease and HIV/AIDS, together with older adults affected by HIV, to make recommendations and help formulate effective models of care for older people with HIV.

    A report of the forum proceedings, including recommendations for expanded education initiatives, is available on the DOH Web site at: www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/conferences/index.htm

    To view the Forum Procedures, click here.

     

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    City Health Information: Treating Tobacco Addiction

    September 2010

    New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene City Health Information: Treating Tobacco Addiction

    In this issue:

    • Ask every patient about smoking status. Advise every smoker to quit.
    • Provide brief counseling and pharmacotherapy to help patients become tobacco free.
    • Educate patients about the risk of secondhand smoke.
    • Encourage patients to maintain a smoke-free home.

    To download and view the full report, please click here.

    For more information, please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/chi/chi.shtml

     

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    NYSDOH-OASAS Health Advisory: Levamisole-Contaminated Cocaine

    September 2010

    This Health Advisory highlights levamisole-contaminated cocaine as a growing problem in the United States (US) and other countries. Patients exposed to levamisole-contaminated cocaine have been identified in several US states, including New York State (NYS). In July 2009, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reported that 69% of cocaine entering the US contained levamisole. The DEA has also detected trace amounts of levamisole in heroin seizures.

    Levamisole is a veterinary antihelmintic medication. Levamisole-contaminated cocaine is associated with severe side effects including agranulocytosis leading to increased susceptibility to infection. It is also associated with vasculitis and necrotic skin lesions in unusual locations, such as ear lobes and face.

    For more information about this health advisory, please visit the New York State Department of Health website at: http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/harm_reduction/opioidprevention/health_advisory_levamisole-contaminated_cocaine.htm

    To download and view the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 2010 Health Advisory # 14, Possible Levamisole-induced Toxicity in Cocaine-using Patients, please click here.

     

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    City Health Information: HIV Prevention and Care

    September 2010

    New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene City Health Information: HIV Prevention and Care

    In this issue:

    • Offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care to all patients aged 13 to 64 years.
    • For patients who test positive:
      • Provide medical care and support. For patients on antiretrovirals, stress the importance of medication adherence. If you do not have experience treating patients with HIV, refer to an HIV specialist.
      • Counsel on consistent condom use and reducing number of partners to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
      • Explain and emphasize the importance of partner notification.
      • Screen for and treat other sexually transmitted infections and immunize against key vaccine-preventable illnesses.
      • Routinely assess risky behavior, screen for alcohol use, drug use, and mental health status; refer when appropriate.

    To download and view the full report, please click here.

    For more information, please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/chi/chi.shtml

     

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    New York State Health Commissioner Warns: HIV/AIDS Not Just a Threat to Young People

    September 2010

    More than 47,000 New Yorkers Over 50 Living With HIV

    ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 17, 2010) – State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today urged older New Yorkers to take precautions to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS, as the numbers of persons with HIV over the age of 50 continue to increase in the state.

    “There is a misperception among some people that persons age 50 and older don’t get infected with HIV– that it is something that just younger people need to worry about,” said State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines.” But the data in New York State clearly shows that being 50 or 60 years of age doesn’t protect you from acquiring this disease.”

    According to data collected by the State Department of Health’s (DOH) AIDS Institute, an increasing number of adults age 50 and over are living with HIV/AIDS in New York State, due in large part to highly effective medications that have prolonged their lives. However, some of these individuals were newly diagnosed and recently infected, highlighting the need for HIV testing and prevention programs specifically targeted to older adults.

    More than 47,000 New Yorkers over age 50 are currently living with HIV/AIDS in New York State, accounting for 38 percent of all persons living with the disease in the state. Five years earlier, persons over 50 represented just 23 percent of the epidemic in New York State.

    The (DOH) projects that the number of HIV-infected persons age 50 and over will double by the year 2025, and the number of infected persons age 65 and older will increase nearly six-fold, to about 30,000, by the year 2025.

    According to the most recent data available, in 2008 764 persons age 50 and over were newly diagnosed with HIV in New York State, accounting for approximately 17 percent of all newly diagnosed cases statewide. Of the newly diagnosed cases, nearly half had already progressed to AIDS or did so within a year of diagnosis, indicating that these individuals were diagnosed “late” and had probably been infected years before but were only recently found to have HIV.

    “In part, the issue of HIV and aging is a success story,” said Humberto Cruz, Director of the AIDS Institute. “In the early days of the epidemic, many infected persons progressed from HIV to AIDS and then died. Now, most persons who are diagnosed with HIV early — before the disease has progressed — and adhere to their medical treatments will be living close to a normal life-span.”

    Medications have dramatically lengthened and improved the quality of life for people with HIV, but life spans are still not normal. People with long-term HIV infection face the common chronic diseases of aging, which affect HIV disease and treatment, just as HIV affects the process of aging. New HIV infection is a threat to sexually active but uninformed or misinformed seniors, who are often diagnosed late in the course of HIV disease.

    Earlier this year, in response to the increasing number of older adults living with HIV and the often unrecognized threat of HIV infection among people over 50, the AIDS Institute held a forum — Red Ribbon, Silver Threads: Healthy Aging in the Era of HIV/AIDS. The forum attracted more than 170 experts in the fields of geriatrics, chronic disease and HIV/AIDS, together with older adults affected by HIV, to make recommendations and help formulate effective models of care for older people with HIV.

    A report of the forum proceedings, including recommendations for expanded education initiatives, is available on the DOH Web site at www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/conferences/index.htm

    New HIV Testing Law:

    A new state law that took effect on September 1 requires all hospitals and many doctors in New York State to offer HIV testing to patients between the ages of 13 and 64.

    For more information about testing or for a free rapid HIV test, call one of hotlines offered in connection with the State’s anonymous HIV counseling and testing programs:

    • Albany Region: 1-800-962-5065
    • Buffalo Region: 1-800-962-5064
    • Lower Hudson Valley Region: 1-800-828-0064
    • Rochester Region: 1-800-962-5063
    • Long Island (Suffolk/Nassau) Region: 1-800-462-6786
    • Syracuse Region: 1-800-562-9423

    The AIDS Institute also operates HIV/AIDS hotlines for HIV testing and other questions:

    • English: 1-800-541-AIDS (2437)
    • Español: 1-800-233-SIDA (7432)
    • Deaf/TDD: 1-800-369-AIDS (2437)

    Within New York City, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also maintains an HIV/AIDS Hotline for information on HIV counseling and testing sites at: 1-800-TALK-HIV or dial 311.

     

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    HEALTHQUAL Brief on Quality Improvement and Tuberculosis

    September 2010

    Over the next several months, the HEALTHQUAL Update will be replaced by a four-part series on quality improvement in tuberculosis care and treatment.

    Each “HEALTHQUAL Brief” will cover innovative and effective improvement activities aimed at curbing TB infection, highlight tools for the integration of HIV/TB programs, and describe government-level efforts to build and reinforce systems focused on reducing the burden of TB and TB/HIV coinfection.

    The first brief in this four-part series includes QI activities aimed at bolstering TB clinical screening from Uganda’s Kumi Hospital, the national referral hospital for TB in that country’s eastern region. This issue also includes a case-study from FHI-Senegal conducted in partnership with the Senegal Ministry of Health to improve TB patient care in Mbao, Senegal.

    To download and view this HEALTHQUAL Brief, please click here.

    To view previous HEALTHQUAL Updates, please click here.

     

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    Guide to HIV/AIDS in Faith Communities

    August 2010

    The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute is pleased to announce the availability of the updated “Guide to HIV/AIDS in Faith Communities”.

    Copies of the updated guide will be available to be ordered from the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/publications/. A PDF of the guide will also be made available to download in the future.

    For more information about the guide, please click here. (Adobe Acrobat)

     

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    Collaboration of the Clinical Education Initiative (CEI) and Physicians’ Research Network (PRN)

    August 2010

    Physicians’ Research Network (PRN) Videos

    The AIDS Institute is pleased to announce the collaboration of the Clinical Education Initiative (CEI) and Physicians’ Research Network (PRN). PRN has an established reputation for spotlighting the work of the most innovative and influential leaders in the HIV treatment and research field through its monthly meetings. CEI will now feature PRN’s monthly events through the CEI website. The combined effort of both educational institutions will enhance the educational resources available to New York State clinicians caring for HIV infected persons.

    To see current titles available and view videos, please click here.

     

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    New Clinical Education Initiative (CEI) CME Courses

    August 2010

    HIV and Oral Health Care

    Learning Objectives

    1. Describe the signs and symptoms of HIV infection
    2. Explain antiretroviral treatment for HIV infection.
    3. List pretreatment considerations for HIV/AIDS patients undergoing dental procedures.

    HIV Prevention for Positives and Negatives

    Learning Objectives

    1. To understand the importance of discussing the prevention of HIV transmission with both HIV positive and HIV negative patients.
    2. To realize some factors that influence an individual’s likelihood of transmitting or acquiring HIV.
    3. To recognize the rationale for making HIV testing a routine part of medical care, and how testing can be a means of prevention.
    4. To discuss ways to obtain a thorough and accurate sexual history/assessment.
    5. To gain increased knowledge of counseling and behavioral interventions that health care providers can use to help their patients with HIV related behavior change.

    View All of the Clinical Education Initiative (CEI) CME Courses

    All CME courses are also available for non-CME viewing. Many are also available as audio podcasts and video downloads so you can listen or watch them on your iPod or other portable device.

     

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    2009/2010 Dental Resource Directory to Improve Access to Dental Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS in New York

    August 2010

    The updated 2010 Dental Resource Directory to Improve Access to Dental Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS has been posted to the New York State Department of Health website. For more information and to view the directory, please use the following link:

    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/resources/dental_resource_directory/index.htm

     

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    Governor Paterson Signs Bills to Promote HIV Testing and Remove Barriers to Needle Exchange and Syringe Access

    August 2010

    Governor Paterson signed a bill that will allow patients to agree to HIV testing as part of a general signed consent to medical care that remains in effect until it is revoked or expires. The bill will also require health care providers to offer testing to their patients between 13 and 64 years of age and will facilitate authorization for testing in the case of certain occupational exposures to HIV infection.

    The Governor also signed another bill that will clarify and enhance existing law regarding the possession of syringes or needles by individuals who participate in needle exchange programs. Numerous State, national, and international studies have found that such programs are very effective in reducing transmission of blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

    For more information about the bills, go to: http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/073010HivBill.html

     

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    HIV Clinical Guidelines Program Posters at XVIII International AIDS Conference

    July 2010

    The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute’s HIV Cinical Guidelines Program had the following five abstracts selected for presentation in the poster exhibition at the XVIII International AIDS Conference which was held in Vienna 18-23 July 2010.

     

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    Partner Services for HIV Prevention

    July 2010

    Providers are the key to patients

    Patients are the key to partners

    Partners are the key to prevention

    Partner Services is a program (also known as “PNAP”) conducted by the Health Deparment that assists people with HIV plan how to best notify sex and/or needle sharing partners of a possible exposure to HIV. Partner Services is totally voluntary and confidential.

    For more information and to download and view the Partner Services is HIV Prevention brochure, please click here.

     

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    Tenofovir Gel Used Before and After Sex Reduced HIV by 39 Percent

    July 2010

    Results of CAPRISA 004 a turning point for HIV prevention, say MTN researchers conducting VOICE

    Tenofovir gel used before and after sex reduced HIV by 39 percent, raises bar for VOICE Study testing daily gel use and ARVs for preventing HIV in women

    The study found tenofovir gel used in a dosing regimen timed before and after sex reduced HIV infections by 39 percent, a finding that is statistically significant and is sure to elicit excitement among the community of people engaged in HIV prevention research globally.

    The study also indicated that use of the gel reduced the risk of herpes simplex virus 2 by 51 percent among women participating in the trial. an interesting observation that will be important to investigate further. The study was conducted in exemplary fashion at every step of the way. CAPRISA 004 was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial that enrolled 889 HIV-uninfected women at two sites in urban and rural.

    The following materials provide further information about these exciting results:
    MTN Press Release (Adobe Acrobat)
    MTN Fact Sheet (Adobe Acrobat)

     

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    Materials Posted for June 10, 2010 HIV Quality of Care Advisory Committee Meeting

    July 2010

    The materials from the June 10, 2010 HIV Quality of Care Advisory Committee Meeting are now posted.

    Please click here to view the meeting materials.

     

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    Possible Levamisole-Induced Toxicity in Cocaine-Using Patients in New York

    July 2010

    2010 Health Advisory # 14:
    Possible Levamisole-induced Toxicity in Cocaine-using Patients

    The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has identified several possible cases of levamisole-induced immunosuppression in cocaine-using patients treated at local health care facilities in the past month. The Department is encouraging all medical providers to report cases of cocaine using patients who present with unexplained neutropenia or vasculitis to the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-212-764-7667 (POISONS).

    To download and view the entire health advisory, please click here.

     

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    75% of New Yorkers Living with HIV/AIDS Are 40 or Older and More than a Third Are over 50

    July 2010

    The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Reports 75% of New Yorkers Living with HIV/AIDS Are 40 or Older and More than a Third Are over 50.

    Women over 50 comprise growing percentage of new HIV diagnoses among older adults.

    HIV/AIDS and the risky behaviors that spread it are often associated with youth. However, in the wake of the White House unveiling its first formal national HIV/AIDS strategy, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports that 30 years into New York City’s epidemic older adults now account for a growing percentage of people living with the disease. Some 75% of HIV-positive New Yorkers are now 40 or older, and more than a third are 50 or older. Younger adults still account for most new infections – 17% of the city’s new HIV diagnoses occur in older adults each year. But, as people with HIV live longer, the number of HIV-positive New Yorkers aged 50 and older continues to grow.

    HIV/AIDS in NYC: A Snapshot

    For more information, please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2010/pr033-10.shtml

     

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    National HIV/AIDS Strategy

    July 2010

    AIDS.gov has recently created a new webpage to support the NHAS (National HIV/AIDS Strategy). To view the new webpage and to download the NHAS (National HIV/AIDS Strategy), please visit AIDS.gov at: http://aids.gov/federal-resources/policies/national-hiv-aids-strategy/

    The below NHAS badge can be used on your website to promote the roll-out of the Strategy. The embed code to use the badge can be accessed at: http://aids.gov/federal-resources/policies/national-hiv-aids-strategy/

    National HIV/AIDS Strategy

     

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    Bronx Residents Have Received More Than 375,000 HIV Tests Since 2008

    July 2010

    Any Body Can Get HIV

    The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Announces that Bronx Residents have Received More than 375,000 HIV Tests since 2008, Surpassing a Three-Year Goal in Less than Two.

    Bronx residents have received more than 375,000 HIV tests since the launch of “The Bronx Knows” HIV Testing Initiative in 2008. The two-year milestone far exceeds the initiative’s three-year goal of helping 250,000 Bronx adults learn their HIV status. The Bronx Knows is a borough-wide collaboration among 75 community organizations, religious groups, health care providers and elected officials. The initiative has helped 1,275 people learn they are HIV-positive – a realization that is important both for their own well being and for the safety of their partners. Two-thirds of those diagnosed with HIV through the initiative have also been linked to care and services.

    For more information, please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2010/pr029-10.shtml

     

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    FDA Approves Maraviroc Labeling Changes

    June 2010

    FDA Approves Maraviroc Labeling Changes to Include Dosing Recommendation for Patients with Renal Impairment

    The FDA has approved labeling changes for Selzentry (maraviroc) 150 mg and 300 mg tablets to include dosing recommendations for patients with renal impairment, add a contraindication for patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease, add a warning regarding postural hypotension for renal impaired patients, and add new Pharmacokinetics information related to renal impairment.

    To read the FDA notice, click here (Adobe Acrobat).

     

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    CDC Health Advisory – Potential Contaminated IV Bags

    June 2010

    CDC Health Advisory – Potential Contaminated Metronidazole, Ondansetron, and Ciprofloxacin IV Bags

    The FDA is alerting healthcare professionals not to use certain IV bags of metronidazole, ondansetron, and ciprofloxacin because of potential contamination. FDA has received reports of floating matter in IV bags manufactured by Claris Lifesciences Limited, in Ahmedabad, India. Microbiological analysis identified matter in one of the bags as a Cladosporium mold, which can cause infections in susceptible patients, such as those who are immunocompromised. Affected products manufactured by Claris Lifesciences Limited are sold under the following labels: Claris, Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, West-Ward Pharmaceuticals.

    To read the CDC Health Advisory, click here.

     

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    Dear Colleague letter – “RU+” Campaign from NYSDOH AIDS Institute

    May 2010

    NYSDOH AIDS Institute “RU+” Campaign

    Dear Colleague,

    There’s an entire generation of New Yorkers who has never known a world without HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Adolescents and young adults need to know the facts about the disease, know they need to get tested, and treated. And, they need to hear those messages from people like themselves and in words, terms, and language that speak to them.

    That’s the goal of the new “RU+” AIDS Institute campaign described in the attached Dear Colleague letter. Please feel free to obtain materials from this campaign from the New York State Department of Health website at www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/publications/.

    Kind regards,

    Humberto Cruz
    Director
    AIDS Institute

    To read the letter from Humberto Cruz, Director, AIDS Institute, click here.

    RU Positive Poster

     

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    HIV and H1N1 Information

    December 2009

     

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    Free HIV CME Courses

    May 2010

    CEI News | Free Online CME Courses and Learning Resources

    AVAILABLE NOW

    Online HIV/AIDS Continuing Medical Education

    Albany Medical Center CME Courses

    NY/NJ AETC Trainings On-Demand Online Courses

    AVAILABLE NOW 

    Johns Hopkins POC-IT Continuing Medical Education Center (CME)

    AVAILABLE NOW

     

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    Earlier Initiation of ARV Therapy? An Appraisal of Emerging Data

    May 2010

    An Interactive Virtual Presentation

    Charles B. Hicks, MD, reviews data supporting recent recommendations for earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy and discusses important factors to consider when assessing each patient.

    Throughout the presentation, case questions allow participants to consider the most appropriate treatment plans based on individual patient characteristics. A graphic will compare participant’s answers with those of colleagues as Dr. Hick’s comments on the choices are presented.

    This is a CME/CE-certified treatment update.

    To begin the Interactive Virtual Presentation, click here.

    The Interactive Virtual Presentation is located online at:
    http://www.clinicaloptions.com/HIV/Treatment%20Updates/Earlier%20Initiation.aspx

    A slideset accompanies the Interactive Virtual Presentation and is available for use as a self-study resource. To download, click here.

     

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    New York State Health Department Launches Media Campaign on AIDS Stigma

    May 2010

    You Are Not Alone

    ALBANY, N.Y. (May 4, 2010) – A $1.5 million public health education campaign has been launched to encourage people with HIV/AIDS to seek treatment and to combat the stigma associated with AIDS. Funded by a federal grant, the “You Are Not Alone” campaign includes billboards, ads on buses and in bus shelters, community newspapers and on radio stations in upstate New York. A related TV campaign will begin later this month.

    The campaign, which will run through July, reaches out to people newly diagnosed with HIV to help them seek health care and treatment, and encourages people who have stopped treatment to come back. Negative attitudes about people living with HIV/AIDS can result in being shunned by family, peers and the wider community; poor treatment in health care and education settings; and psychological damage that can negatively affect testing and treatment.

    Governor David A. Paterson said, “It’s critical for people to learn their HIV status and to stay in treatment. That gives them the best chance at maintaining their health and living a productive, full life.”

    State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., encourages people to get tested for HIV. “Once you know your HIV status, you can take the appropriate next steps,” he said. “If you test positive, you deserve respect and the best health care available.”

    Advances in treatment have transformed HIV infection from a fatal diagnosis into a more manageable chronic illness. Despite these dramatic advances, the social aspects of the disease, including the stigma of HIV, continue to threaten the emotional, mental and physical well-being of New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS who experience greater stigmatization might perceive more difficulty accessing health care because a fear of rejection may lead them to perceive the health care environment as intolerant and/or inaccessible.

    In New York, the State Department of Health’s (DOH) AIDS Institute has employed multiple strategies and interventions to combat the negative effects of HIV-related stigma, including:

    • Comprehensive health care and prevention services;
    • Confidentiality protections and sanctions;
    • Education, training and leadership skills development for people living with HIV/AIDS;
    • Training for clinical and non-clinical providers; and
    • Outreach to and engagement with faith communities

    Information on HIV/AIDS can be obtained by calling 1-800-541-AIDS. For Spanish speakers, call 1-800-233-SIDA. Or, log onto www.nyhealth.gov/aids.

    Please click here to visit the New York State Department of Health’s YouTube channel to view the You Are Not Alone public service announcement.

     

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    Guiding Principles for Sexual Health Education for Young People

    May 2010

    A new publication was recently made available entitled “Guiding Principles for Sexual Health Education for Young People: A Guide for Community-Based Organizations”. The guide is the product of the New York State Department of Health Adolescent Sexual Health Work Group, a joint committee of the AIDS Institute, Center for Community Health (CCH) and Office of Health Insurance Programs.

    Sexual health education for young people is a challenging topic. Community-based organizations play an important role in delivering sexual health education to adolescents to decrease the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV and unintended pregnancy.

    The guide was developed to provide background information behind the guiding principles for adolescent sexual health education. It provides strategies that community-based organizations can put into action to overcome challenges associated with fulfilling these principles and resources are referenced that provide more in-depth information, as well as additional potential strategies.

    The publication was recently mailed to approximately 450 youth-serving agencies and organizations throughout New York State and copies have been shared internally with division/bureau directors and contract managers. The publication can be located on the New York State Department of Health web site at http://www.nyhealth.gov/publications/0206/index.htm or a copy can be downloaded by clicking here (Adobe Acrobat).

     

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    NYCDOHMH: Health Bulletin - Stop HIV in NYC

    May 2010

    Stop HIV in NYC

    STOP HIV IN NYC

    Know Your HIV Status—Stay Safe!

    In this issue:

    • Get Tested for HIV
    • Protect Yourself and Others
    • Use a Condom Every Time
    • If You Have HIV, It’s Important to Know
    • Some Activities Are Riskier Than Others
    • Where to Get Tested

    Learn more

    To download the latest Health Bulletin, click here.

    Health Bulletin #78 is one in a series on issues of pressing interest to all New Yorkers. All Health Bulletins are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, and many are available in other languages. For copies, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health.

     

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    Ryan White Clinical Updates Online

    February 2010

    Multimedia clinical presentations from the twelfth Annual Ryan White Clinical Conference are now online. A total of 28 slide presentations with accompanying audio are available and cover such HIV care topics as managing HIV disease (e.g., cardiovascular risk assessment and management, endocrine problems, cancer, addiction, flu) and care for special populations, from women to adolescents. Also available in multimedia format are multiple Q/A sessions.

    Presentations are from the October 15-17, 2009 Ryan White Clinical Conference, supported by HRSA/HAB and sponsored by the International AIDS Society-USA. View the multimedia updates as the TARGET Center’s Tool of the Month at: http://careacttarget.org (Not a US Government Web site).

     

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    2010 CROI Summary from Dr John Bartlett

    March 2010

    17th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections 2010 San Francisco
     
    The following are highlights of some of the more important papers presented at the 2010 CROI.
     
     ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY

    ODIN TRIAL: Efficacy and Safety at 48 Weeks of Once-daily vs Twice-daily DRV/r in Treatment-experienced HIV-1+ Patients with no DRV Resistance-associated Mutations. Cahn P, et al. Abstract #57.

    This trial enrolled 590 treatment-experienced patients with VL >1000 c/mL to receive DRV/r 800/100 daily + OBR (optimal NRT backbone) vs. DRV/r 400/100 twice daily + OBR. Participants required no DRV RAMs at screening. Results at 48 weeks showed VL <50 c/mL in 72% vs. 71% and CD4 count increases were 100 vs. 94 cells/mm3 in the once daily vs. the twice daily DRV/r regimens. Median trough levels were somewhat lower in the once-daily regimen (1,896 ng/mL vs. 3,197 ng/mL) and lipids (triglycerides and LDL-C) were modestly, but statistically significantly greater in the twice daily. Results are not surprising. It is an FDA labeling thing.

    Single tablet, fixed-dose regimen of elvitegravir/TDF/FTC/GS-9350 achieves a high rate of virologic suppression and GS-9350 is an effective booster. Cohen C, Et al. Abstract #58LB.

    This study pitted “the Quad” with the new Gilead integrase inhibitor (elvitegravir) with their new booster (GS-9350) packaged with TDF/FTC vs. Atripla in 71 treatment-naive patients who were randomized 2:1. Results at week 24 showed VL <50 c/mL in 90% of the Quad recipients vs. 83% of the Atripla recipients; the median CD4 increase was 161 vs. 113 cells/mL, respectively. The presentation was complicated by the inclusion of another trial of GS-9350 vs. RTV. There appeared to be a reduction in creatinine clearance associated with GS-9350 but this is attributed to an artifact in the standard of measurement and not renal damage per se. The conclusion of the trial is that the admittedly limited clinical data continues to support the potential future of the Quad and the booster.

    Sustained ART effect of RAL at week 156 in the BENCHMRK studies and exploratory analysis of late outcomes based on early virologic responses. Eron J, et al. Abstract #515.

    This is a long-term follow-up of the phase III trial of Ral/OBR vs. placebo/OBR in treatment-experienced patients with 3 class resistance. Results:

       VL <50

       Week 48

       Week 96

       Week 156

       RAL    Placebo

       60%    34%

       56%    23%

       47%    18%
       CD4 (median)      
       RAL    Placebo

       97    39

       117    45

       158    55

    Analysis by virologic outcome at 156 weeks by viral response during weeks 16 to 52.

       Category

       VL <50

       VL <50 week 156
       Continuous    Low level viremia    Not suppresed    Always <50    VL50-400 at least once    >400 at least once    90%    72%    32%

    These results show what you might expect – short term viral suppression predicts long-term suppression.

    A finite course of ART during early HIV-1 infection modestly delays need for subsequent ART infection: ACTG A 5217, the SETPOINT study. Hogan C, et al. Abstract #134.
     
    This was a randomized trial to determine the effect of HAART given for 36 weeks on the setpoint at week 72 in patients with early HIV infection. The study was stopped by the DSMB prematurely due to a significant difference in the two groups in reaching “Step 2” of the predefined endpoints – requiring ART based on contemporary guidelines of the time. The rate of progression in those receiving early HAART was 4/66 (6%) compared to 22/64 (34%) in those who had delayed treatment. Discontinuing the study prevented the ability to determine the effect of early HAART on the setpoint, but did show that it “modestly” delayed the time to initiate HAART.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    Bone and limb fat outcomes of ACTG52245; A prospective randomized. Partially blinded phase III trial of ABC/3TC or TDF/FTC with EFV or ATV/r for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection. McComsey G, et al. Abstract #106LB.

    ACTG 5224 is a substudy of ACTG 5202 in which over 1800 patients were randomized to TDF/FTC vs. ABC/3TC and also randomized to EFV vs. ATV/r. The substudy included 269 patients who had bone mineral density studies (spine and hips) and limb fat studies at 96 weeks. For the NRTIs, TDF/FTC was associated with significantly more spine and hip bone loss. ABC/3TC and TDF/FTC had comparable increases in limb fat at week 96.

    COMPLICATIONS

    Higher CD4 nadir is associated with reduced rates of HIV-associated rates neurocognitive disorders in the CHARTER study; Ellis R, et al. Abstract #429.

    The CHARTER is a neurologic component of the ACTG that follows 1,526 patients with periodic neurologic studies. This report involves 1,080 participants who were receiving HAART, including 589 (55%) with VL <50 c/mL and 799 (52%) who were neurologically impaired. The striking finding in this study was the strong correlation between neurologic impairment and nadir (not current) CD4 cell count for CD4 strata <50-350 cells/mL. This association was maintained when adjusted for viral load, sex, ethnicity and duration of HIV.

    IRIS among US subjects starting ART in ACTG 5202. Fischl M, et al. Abstract #791.

    ACTG 5202 examined relative merits of ART regimens in 1848 treatment-naïve patients. At baseline, the median CD4 count was 229 cells/mL, and 17% had a prior AIDS-defining event. IRIS events occurred in 52 patients by week 48. Of these, 75% occurred within 67 days of starting HAART. The most common were MAC (11), zoster (11), HSV (8) and KS (5). The median baseline CD4 count in these 52 patients was 49 cells/mL and 50% had a prior AIDS-defining diagnosis.

    Rates of Cardiovascular disease following smoking cessation in patients with HIV infection: Results from the D:A:D study. Petoumenos K, et al. Abstract #124.

    The analysis showed the obvious, but the magnitude of the difference may be of interest. Observations were in 27,586 patients. The crude rates of cardiovascular events and incident rate ratios (RR) are:

       Category    #person-years (x1000)    Rate (/1000 p-y)    IRR
       Never smoked    46    3.5    1
       Prior smoker    23    5.5    1.4
       Current smoker    60    5.3    2.2
       Stopped <1 yr    7    7.0    2.3
                        1-2 yrs    5    6.3    1.8
                        3 + yrs    5    6.4    1.5
     
    Correlates of CSF viral loads in 1,221 volunteers of the CHARTER Cohort. Letendre S, et al. Abstract #172.

    This is a cross-sectional analysis of 1,221 patients in the neurologic component of the ACTG. The major determinant of CSF VL was receiving vs. not receiving ART, 16% vs. 76%. Higher levels of CSF VL correlated with high plasma VL (r=0.6), low CD4 count (r=-0.22), lower nadir CD4 count (see above) and better published CSF penetration values for ART agents (OR=1.7). (All values shown are statistically significant at p=<0.001). The authors concluded that the strongest correlation was plasma VL. Age and white ethnicity were unexplained associations.

    Higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, hyaluronic acid and IL-6 before initiation of ART are associated with AIDS, IRIS or death among ART-naïve patients with a good response to initial ART. Boulware D, et al. Abstract #335.

    Pre-treatment samples in 1,397 patients started on HAART were used to determine if biomarkers predicted response. Results for 63 patients who had a poor response with AIDS or died in the first year of study were compared with 126 controls who responded well. The patients who responded poorly had higher baseline levels of D-dimer (OR 2.4), CPR (OR 2.1), IL-6 (OR 1.8) and hyaluronic acid (OR 1.7) compared to controls. All four were statistically significantly associated with the risk of IRIS, AIDS or death in the first year following HAART. The presenter noted that persistent elevation of these markers at 1 month may indicate probable IRIS.

    Rapid progression of an atherosclerosis at the carotid bifurcation is linked to inflammation in HIV-infected patients. Hsue P, et al. Abstract #125.

    The presenter is a cardiologist from UCSF who summarized a study of 285 patients and 40 controls to determine rates of progression of atherosclerosis at 12 segments of the carotid artery over a mean follow-up period of 2.2 years. The strongest signal for HIV-infected patients compared to controls was at the bifurcation (p=<0.001) and internal carotid (p=0.0007). Additional studies showed a correlation with hsCRP, whereas other risk factors such as age and smoking have been correlated with atherosclerosis in the common carotid.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    Decreases in community viral load associated with a reduction in new HIV diagnoses in San Francisco. Das-Douglas M, et al. Abstract #33.

    The authors postulate that as treatment of HIV increases there will be a decrease in “the community viral load” (CVL) in San Francisco and this will then reduce the incident cases of HIV transmission. To study this, the investigators from the San Francisco Health Department used their comprehensive HIV/AIDS Surveillance System, which includes mandatory reporting of VL. The analysis showed the mean baseline VL from 2004 to 2008 decreased from 23,000 to 15,000 c/mL and newly reported HIV infections decreased from 798 in 2004 to 434 in 2008. This is an interesting concept that was also reported from British Columbia, Canada by Julio Montager (Abstract #88LB), but there is lots of noise in these analyses including the fact that these are not incident cases during the period reviewed.

    ART and risk of heterosexual HIV transmission in HIV-1 serodiscordant African couples: A multinational prospective study. Donnell D, et al. Abstract #136.

    This was an observational study in 7 African countries to determine the impact of ART on HIV transmission. The study included 3,408 discordant couples with 349 given ART, and all were followed for 2 years with HIV serology in the seronegative partner every 3 months. Results showed one of 103 seroconversions occurred in the partner of a person receiving ART; this occurred 16 days after starting ART and 90 days after the last negative test. In total:

       ART    Transmission    Per-yrs-F/u    Seroincidence
       Yes    1    256    0.4
       No    102    4,851    2.2

    Life expectancy of recently diagnosed asymptomatic HIV-infected patients approaches that of uninfected individuals. van Sighem, et al. Abstract #526.

    Investigators from The Netherlands analyzed their data from ATHENA with 4,612 adults enrolled from 1998-2007. Results were based on 17,500 person-years of follow-up. For persons 25 years old, the projected survival was 52.7 years and for men of this age without HIV it was 53.1 years. Another European study showed that for men who kept their CD4 count >500 for >3 years, the projected survival was the same as for men 25 years old without HIV (Abstract #527). Factors associated with a more rapid progression were older age, (RR 1.07/yr), CDC stage B at 24 weeks (RR 4.9), and birth in a non-Western country (RR=4.9).

     

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    Printed edition of Substance Use Clinical Guidelines book is now available

    July 2009

    The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute is very pleased to announce that Substance Use in Patients With HIV/AIDS: HIV Clinical Guidelines for the Primary Care Practitioner is now available in book form.

     

    To download a PDF of this book, please click here (Adobe Acrobat).

    To order a copy of this book, please click here.

    The book includes the following clinical guidelines:

     

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    First Assay to Detect Both HIV Antigen and Antibodies

    June 2010

    FDA Approves First Diagnostic Assay to Detect Both HIV Antigen and Antibodies

    Test advances ability to detect HIV infection earlier

    SILVER SPRING, Md., June 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first assay to detect both antigen and antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This assay is approved for use as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV-1/HIV-2 infection in adults including pregnant women. It is also the first assay for use as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV-1/HIV-2 infection in children as young as two years old.M

    The highly sensitive assay is intended to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV-1/HIV-2 infection, including acute or primary HIV-1 infection. Since it actually detects the HIV-1 virus (specifically the p24 antigen) in addition to antibodies to HIV, the ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay can be used to diagnose HIV infection prior to the emergence of antibodies. Most tests used today in the diagnostic setting detect HIV antibodies only. Although direct detection of the virus itself by nucleic acid testing is available, it is not widely used in diagnostic settings.

    HIV is the virus that can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. HIV damages a person’s body by destroying specific blood cells, called CD4+ T cells, which are crucial to helping the body fight diseases. Two types of HIV have been identified: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for most HIV infections throughout the world. HIV-2 is found primarily in West Africa; however, cases of HIV-2 infection have been reported in North America and Europe.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that approximately 18 million people in the United States are tested for HIV each year. Most recent CDC estimates are that there are about 56,000 new HIV infections in the United States each year. In addition, there are more than 1 million people living with HIV in the United States, according to CDC.

    “The approval of this assay represents an advancement in our ability to better diagnose HIV infection in diagnostic settings where nucleic acid testing to detect the virus itself is not routinely used,” said Karen Midthun, M.D., acting director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “It provides for more sensitive detection of recent HIV infections compared with antibody tests alone.”

    The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is not intended to be used for routine screening of blood donors. However, it is approved as a donor screening assay for HIV-1/HIV-2 infection in urgent situations where licensed blood donor screening tests are unavailable or their use is impractical.

    The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay will be used in clinical laboratories and in public health laboratories, and is the first assay approved in the United States to detect HIV antigen and antibodies simultaneously.

    The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois.

    For more information, please visit the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm216375.htm.

     

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    ONAP Report: Community Recommendations for National HIV/AIDS Strategy



    April 2010

    Last fall, the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) asked Americans to give their input for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which will be released in the coming months. From the beginning, ONAP recognized that community feedback would be invaluable to a National HIV/AIDS Strategy development and hosted 14 community discussions and meetings throughout the United States, in addition to launching an online portal for Americans to send their comments directly to the White House. In the end, over 1,000 written responses from nearly every state and U.S. territory, were received from people affected by or living with HIV, from men, women, and transgender individuals, from young and old, and from respondents of various ethnicities, racial backgrounds and sexual orientation.

    Please click here to download a copy of A Report on a National Dialogue on HIV/AIDS (Adobe Acrobat).

    Please click here to see a summary of A Report on a National Dialogue on HIV/AIDS on the ONAP blog.

    Please click here to visit the Office of National AIDS Policy website.

     

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    The Barbara H Chaffee, MD, MPH Educational Fund



    March 2010

    Since 1988, Dr Barbara Chaffee has been a dedicated HIV clinician and strong advocate for PLWHA in the Southern Tier area. She has retired from HIV care due to health reasons, and she will be honored with a fund established in her name.

    Members from the HIV team at the Binghamton Family Care Center and a group of advocates and supporters from the Binghamton area have created “The Barbara H Chaffee, MD, MPH Educational Fund” with the mission “to nurture and support health care professionals caring for people with HIV/AIDS.” The fund will support continuing education for local health care professionals who seek to further their expertise in HIV/AIDS care.

    Donations are now being accepted for the Barbara H. Chaffee M.D., MPH Educational Fund. Installment plans are available. Donations may be directed to:
    The Community Foundation for South Central New York
    70 Front Street
    Binghamton, NY 13905.

    Checks should be made out to the Community Foundation, noting in the memo section that the gift is for “The Chaffee Fund.” For more information, call 1-607-772-6773.

    For more information, please click here (Adobe Acrobat).

     

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    RU+? Get an HIV Test --- Poster


    February 2010

    RU Positive Poster

    The AIDS Institute Office of the Medical Director is pleased to announce the availability of six new posters in both English and Spanish designed to promote HIV testing among adolescents and young adults. The posters were developed with input from the Young Adult Consumer Advisory Council (YACAC).

    Visit http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/publications for:

    • electronic versions of these and other materials
    • on-line ordering of print, bulk materials
    • a current order form

    Please direct questions and requests for additional information about HIV/AIDS consumer educational materials available from the NYSDOH/AI to: hivpubs@health.state.ny.us

     

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    Dr John Bartlett Literature Reviews

    September 2009

    Disease Progression

    Bacterial DNA Correlate with Immune Activation and Magnitude of Immune Restoration in Persons with ARV-Treated HIV Infection (April 2009)

    Absence of CD4+ T Cell Count Recovery Despite Virologically Suppressive HAART (February 2009)

    Inflammatory and Coagulation Biomarkers and Mortality in Patients with HIV Infection (October 2008)

    HIV Infection and Aging: What Is Known and Future Research Directions (August 2008)

    Side Effects/Complications

    MRSA Skin and Soft Tissue Infection in a Cohort of Otherwise Healthy Adults Infected with HIV Type 1 (July 2009)

    Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Mortality in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Veterans (June 2009)

    Human Immunodeficiency Virus Per Se Exerts Atherogenic Effects (June 2009)

    Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy over 20 Years of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (May 2009)

    Screening/Testing

    Universal Voluntary Testing and Treatment for Prevention of HIV Transmission (June 2009)

    Dr John Bartlett Literature Reviews Archives

    Dr John Bartlett Literature Reviews Archives

     

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    “RU+” Campaign on YouTube - Take the Time. Take the Test. Take Charge.

    June 2010

    NYSDOH AIDS Institute “RU+” Campaign

    There’s an entire generation of New Yorkers who has never known a world without HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Adolescents and young adults need to know the facts about the disease, know they need to get tested, and treated. And, they need to hear those messages from people like themselves and in words, terms, and language that speak to them. That’s the goal of the new “RU+” AIDS Institute campaign.

    Please click here to visit the New York State Department of Health’s YouTube channel to view an important and informative video from our youth about getting tested for HIV and STDs.

    Please feel free to obtain materials from the “RU+” campaign from the New York State Department of Health website at www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/publications/.

    RU Positive Poster

     

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    The HIV Research Catalyst Forum: Treatment, Prevention, Advocacy

    February 2010

    April 20-23, 2010 Renaissance Harborplace Hotel Baltimore, Maryland

    Online Scholarship Applications Are Now Open for the HIV Research Catalyst Forum: Treatment, Prevention, Advocacy

    The deadline for application submission is February 19, 2010. Applicants will be notified by March 8, 2010.

    For more information and to apply online, click here or go to:

    http://www.hivresearchcatalystforum.org/scholarship

    Who Should Apply:

    • New advocates working in HIV or related fields who are looking to network and learn new skills
    • Community-based service providers interested in working on national research advocacy campaigns
    • Experienced advocates and PLWHIVs looking to recharge and take on new, cutting-edge challenges

    There are 150 full scholarships available, including travel (domestic coach class airfare and limited ground transportation assistance), 3-night hotel, and a per diem. We will make all travel and lodging arrangements for scholarship recipients.

    Note: We’ve set aside a number of spots for applicants who live in the Baltimore area and do not need travel and hotel. Registration fees for these applications will be waived – based on a first come first served basis. Please apply using the form found at:

    http://www.hivresearchcatalystforum.org/scholarship

    For questions about the HIV Research Catalyst Forum, please contact Myisha Patterson-Gaston at myisha@hivresearchcatalystforum.org

    Visit the conference website at http://www.hivresearchcatalystforum.org/ for updates.

     

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    Governor Paterson Praises Appointment of AIDS Institute Director to Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS

    February 2010

    Governor David A. Paterson today congratulated New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) AIDS Institute Director Humberto Cruz upon his appointment to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Mr. Cruz was sworn in today in Washington, D.C. by President Obama’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius.

    “For more than 20 years, Humberto Cruz has been involved in advocating for, designing and implementing AIDS Institute programs for the prevention, care and support of persons living with HIV/AIDS,” Governor Paterson said. “He has overseen New York’s programs and worked to make them national models of comprehensive and compassionate care. Humberto’s knowledge and expertise will be a tremendous addition to the federal HIV/AIDS panel, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, we are proud to have such distinguished representation serve our country and those living with HIV/AIDS.”

    After 17 years in progressively responsible positions at DOH, including Executive Deputy Director, Mr. Cruz became Director of DOH’s AIDS Institute in 2007. He also serves as an executive committee member of the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, debating HIV/AIDS prevention and care policies at the national level, including policy discussions with federal partners, other states and Congress. He has also worked in substance abuse advocacy and for Promesa, the largest non-profit multi-service Hispanic organization in New York City.

    State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., said: “Humberto Cruz is a forceful advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS, committed to quality services that achieve the best possible health outcomes and ensure the most efficient use of health care funding. His career embodies a rich history of collaboration with the people we serve – both people living with HIV/AIDS and providers – in policy and program planning.”

    Congressman Eliot L. Engel, the senior New York member of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, said: “Under Mr. Cruz’s direction, New York State has consistently and successfully reformed programs to be responsive to a changing epidemic, emerging needs and a changing environment. My office worked directly with Mr. Cruz and his staff on reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act. He will be a valuable member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.”

    Since 1995, the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) has provided advice, information and recommendations to the HHS Secretary regarding programs and policies intended to promote effective prevention of HIV disease, and to advance research on HIV disease and AIDS. The Secretary provides the President with copies of all written reports provided to her by the Advisory Council. Mr. Cruz will serve a three-year term. Members of the Advisory Council are not salaried, but are paid for their expenses.

    In addition, Governor Paterson offered his congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, who was also named to the panel. Reverend Butts is pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church, one of the largest churches in Harlem. He also is president of the State University College at Old Westbury and chairs the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS.

    Governor Paterson said: “Dr. Butts’ work to mobilize the religious community for people living with HIV/AIDS has helped inform us and shape our attitudes about the disease, leading to greater support for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. He is a visionary leader to the Harlem community.”

     

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    FDA Reviews Osteoporosis Drugs

    March 2010

    Safety Announcement

    Patients and healthcare professionals may have questions about oral bisphosphonate medications and atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures – fractures in the bone just below the hip joint. Oral bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed to prevent or treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Common brand names of medications in this class include Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, and Reclast.

    Recent news reports have raised the question about whether there is an increased risk of this type of fracture in patients with osteoporosis using these medications. At this point, the data that FDA has reviewed have not shown a clear connection between bisphosphonate use and a risk of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures. FDA is working closely with outside experts, including members of the recently convened American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture Task Force, to gather additional information that may provide more insight into this issue.

    Based on published case reports of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures occurring in women with osteoporosis using bisphosphonates, FDA, in June 2008, requested information from all bisphosphonate drug manufacturers regarding this potential safety signal. All available case reports and clinical trial data were requested. FDA’s review of these data did not show an increase in this risk in women using these medications.

    In addition, FDA reviewed a December 2008 article in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research by Abrahamsen et al1, that analyzed data from two large observational studies in patients with osteoporosis. The authors concluded that atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures had many similar features in common with classical osteoporotic hip fractures, including patient age, gender, and trauma mechanism. The data showed that patients taking bisphosphonates and those not taking bisphosphonates had similar numbers of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures relative to classical osteoporotic hip fractures.

    This communication is in keeping with FDA’s commitment to inform the public about its ongoing safety review of drugs. The agency will continue to review new information as it becomes available and will update the public once the agency’s review is complete.

    Healthcare professionals should continue to follow the recommendations in the drug label when prescribing oral bisphosphonates.

    Patients should not stop taking their medication unless told to do so by their healthcare professional. Patients should talk to their healthcare professional about any concerns they have with these medications.

    Additional Information for Patients
    If you currently take an oral bisphosphonate you should:

    • Not stop taking your medication unless told to do so by your healthcare professional.
    • Talk to your healthcare professional if you develop new hip or thigh pain or have any concerns with your medications.
    • Report any side effects with your bisphosphonate medication to FDA’s MedWatch program using the information at the bottom of the page in the “Contact Us” box.

    Additional Information for Healthcare Professionals
    FDA recommends that healthcare professionals should:

    • Be aware of the possible risk of atypical subtrochanteric femur fractures in patients taking oral bisphosphonates.
    • Continue to follow the recommendations in the drug label when prescribing oral bisphosphonates.
    • Discuss with patients the known benefits and potential risks with using oral bisphosphonates.
    • Report any adverse events with the use of oral bisphosphonates to FDA’s MedWatch program using the information at the bottom of the page in the “Contact Us” box.

    References:
    1. Abrahamsen B., Eiken P., Eastell R. Subtrochanteric and Diaphyseal Femur Fractures in Patients Treated With Alendronate: A Register-Based National Cohort Study. J Bone Miner Res. 2009 Jun;24(6):1095-102.

     

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    Medical Volunteers Needed in Haiti

    February 2010

    Housing Works and three other New York City-based organizations (Aid for AIDS, Caribbean Women’s Health Center, and Diaspora Community Services) are partnering with AIDS organizations in Haiti to fund and operate two desperately needed new clinics for Haitians living with HIV/AIDS and one that will provide familiy health care.

    The goal is to keep these clinics staffed by rotating volunteer medical personnel through April 30, 2010, then make these clinics permanent.

    For more information, please click here (Adobe Acrobat).

     

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    Ryan White Tribute

    Twenty years ago today Ryan White died due to complications from AIDS. We remember this day and celebrate the life of Ryan White. He broke down barriers of discrimination for so many people living with HIV/AIDS, living with dignity and tenacity up until the end. It is hard to imagine that White would now be 38 years old, but his fight – our fight – continues. With tens of thousands newly infected each year, we must increase our efforts to prevent the further spread of HIV and educate people in all walks of life. We must also care for those already infected. The HIV/AIDS epidemic cut short White’s life, as well as the lives of countless others. Let us all take a moment and reflect on the life and legacy of this brave young man, Ryan White.

    To download more information from NYAC, please click here (Adobe Acrobat).

     

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    Follow Us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn

    hivguidelines.org is now on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

    Follow Us on Twitter http://twitter.com/hivguidelines

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    Find Us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/hivguidelinesorg/138386227199

    hivguidelines.org

     

    Connect with us on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groups?homeNewMember=&gid=2566274&trk=eml-grp-sub

     

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    New York State HIV/AIDS Training Calendar 2010

    The Office of the Medical Director is pleased to announce the posting and availability of the Statewide Calendar of HIV/AIDS Training January – June 2010. To learn more about the variety of trainings for 2010, please visit http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/training/nonclinical.htm

    New featured trainings this season include:

    All trainings are FREE.

     

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    2009 Resource Directory for the AIDS Institute

    The 2009 Resource Directory for the AIDS Institute has been updated and now can be accessed by clicking here(Adobe Acrobat).

    This 140 page document includes an introduction, list of funded providers, hotlines, websites, partner services, correctional facilities, and Centers of Expertise.

     

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    Additions from the AIDS Institute to the New York State Department of Health Website

    The following two AIDS Institute reports were recently posted to the New York State Department of Health website:

    The report on the listening forums that the Director held throughout the State has been posted. The report is entitled, 2008 Listening Forums: Summary and 2009 Progress Report. Twenty-four forums were held in seven regions: Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York City (two were held in NYC). Each day consisted of three forums: a morning session for clinicians; a mid-day forum for consumers; and an afternoon forum for non-clinical providers. The report consists of the following:

    • an introduction and description of the report
    • a description of the State’s system of HIV/AIDS services
    • a description of overarching issues that were raised at the forums that are not necessarily specific to the AIDS Institute
    • a description of the issues that were raised statewide
    • a status report and examples of progress on the statewide issues
    • regional reports on the issues that were raised in each region

    Click here to view a PDF of the report.

    The final Ryan White Statewide Coordinated Statement of Need (SCSN) and Comprehensive Plan was posted. The draft had been posted for some time. The final report incorporates comments received on the draft in writing and via regional call-in sessions. The report includes a chapter describing the community response.

    Click here to view a PDF of the report.

    Also, the following is a list of additions and revisions to items on the website:

    The following items were updated:

    January-June 2010 Statewide HIV/AIDS Training Calendar was updated
    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/training/nonclinical.htm

    Female Condom Annotated Bibliography, 1996-2009 – Revised December 2009
    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/facts/condoms/female_condom/index.htm (Female Condom Page)

    Ryan White Network Coordinators
    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/workgroups/ryan_white_network_coordinators.htm

    Statewide AIDS Service Delivery Consortium Advisory Group
    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/workgroups/sasdc/index.htm

    The following new items were posted:

    Releasing Preliminary Positive Results for Standard HIV Testing
    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/testing/preliminary_positive/index.htm

    Buprenorphine
    http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/harm_reduction/buprenorphine/

    Health Advisory – Interventions to Prevent Opioid Overdose
    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/harm_reduction/opioidprevention/index.htm (Opioid Overdose Prevention Page)

    Health Advisory – Emergency Department Interventions to Prevent Opioid Overdose
    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/harm_reduction/opioidprevention/index.htm (Opioid Overdose Prevention Page)

    Alochol and HIV: A Mix You Can Avoid – Booklet
    http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/publications/ (under Living with HIV/AIDS)

     

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    CHI: HIV Prevention and Care

    January 2010

    In this issue:

    • Offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care to all patients aged 13 to 64 years.
    • For patients who test positive:
      • Provide medical care and support. For patients on antiretrovirals, stress the importance of medication adherence. If you do not have experience treating patients with HIV, refer to an HIV specialist.
      • Counsel on consistent condom use and reducing number of partners to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
      • Explain and emphasize the importance of partner notification.
      • Screen for and treat other sexually transmitted infections and immunize against key vaccine-preventable illnesses.
      • Routinely assess risky behavior, screen for alcohol use, drug use, and mental health status; refer when appropriate.

    To view the full issue, please click here (Adobe Acrobat).

    City Health Information is a publication produced by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as a primary means of communicating public health information to the City’s medical care community.

     

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    2010 IDSA ERF Medical Scholars Program

    An important part of IDSA’s mission is to promote the subspecialty of infectious diseases by attracting the best and brightest medical students to the field. To further this goal, the IDSA Education and Research Foundation (IDSA ERF) offers scholarships to medical students with mentorship by an IDSA member or fellow.

    IDSA members and fellows are encouraged to identify and solicit interested students and to serve as mentors.

    Applications for the Medical Scholars Program must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.

    Students in any year of medical school are eligible for this award. The scholarship activity must focus on pediatric or adult infectious diseases and may involve either clinical or research activities.

    Each scholarship recipient will receive $2,000. The majority of the funding will be provided in July at the beginning of the scholarship activity.

    For application instructions, eligibility information, and reporting requirements, please visit the IDSA website. If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Cox at scox@idsociety.org or (703) 740-4788.

     

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    United Hospital Fund – Health Care Improvement Grant

    A new grant has just been added to the egrants.net database.

    The United Hospital Fund awards Health Care Improvement Grants to not-for-profit New York City health care organizations to develop and evaluate innovative health care projects and conduct research and analysis of significant health systems issues that will shape the future of health care in New York City.

    The deadline for grant applications is March 1, 2010.

    For more details, click here.

     

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    New Manual to Help Safety Net Providers Qualify as Patient-Centered Medical Homes

    The Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) has released a new how-to manual that will guide safety-net providers through the process of obtaining PPC-PCMH recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The manual is titled “Obtaining Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition: A How-To Manual.”

    To learn more about the manual, click here.

     

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    Letter from the AIDS Institute about Novel H1N1 Influenza and HIV

    December 2009

    Please view this letter from the AIDS Institute about novel H1N1 influenza and HIV. This letter is being shared with health care providers who provide clinical care to people with HIV/AIDS across the state.
    The letter describes the importance of people with HIV getting vaccinated against seasonal flu and novel H1N1 and includes: 

    • links to CDC Interim Guidance – HIV Infected Adults and Adolescents: Considerations for Clinicians Regarding Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
    • a letter from the NYSDOH about how adult health care settings can pre-register to receive novel H1N1 vaccine to administer to their patients
    • a consumer fact sheet about novel H1N1 for people living with HIV/AIDS

     

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    Counseling Messages for the Survivor of Felony Sexual Assault

    September 2008

    Defendant HIV Testing
    Counseling Messages for the Survivor of Felony Sexual Assault

    In the instance where an individual has been arrested and indicted for felony sexual assault within 6 months of the date of the assault, survivors of the assault should be apprised of their right to ask that HIV testing be done on the person who has been indicted (the defendant).

    The county District Attorney’s office will call the local health department when there is a survivor in need of counseling.  This counseling is provided by county public health staff and consists of a discussion with the survivor regarding what knowledge of the defendant’s HIV status would mean and not mean in the survivor’s specific situation.

    The following key information should be covered with the survivor prior to his or her decision regarding a request that the defendant be tested for HIV.

    I. Prior to a Defendant HIV Testing Request

    1. Explain the purpose of the meeting and emphasize that this discussion is confidential.

    2. Review any previous HIV counseling that the survivor may have received at the time of the attack and determine if she or he is currently taking HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Ensure that the survivor knows that help paying for PEP is available. (PEP is prescribed usually within 36 hours of the assault and is taken for 28 days.)

    3. Provide the following information about Defendant HIV Testing:

    • Defendant HIV testing may help you find out if you have been exposed to HIV during the sexual assault. This may include HIV testing for you if that was not done following the assault;
    • You can request the court to order Defendant HIV testing when someone has been arrested and indicted within six months of the assault;
    • The request must be made in writing and within 48 hours after the defendant is charged;
    • Follow-up HIV testing can be requested after results of the first tests are received. However, the HIV tests done on the defendant the first time should detect any HIV present at that time, so there may be no medical need for follow-up testing.

    4. Outline the current scientific information available regarding risk of HIV infection from various modes of exposure. If possible, explore the nature of the survivor’s exposure and risk of infection related to his or her assault.

    5. Indicate that there may be limited medical and/or psychological benefits of asking that the defendant be tested for HIV, depending on how long it has been since the assault:

    • If the defendant is tested within 7 to 30 days of the assault, the results of the test may enable you (the survivor) to determine, in consultation with a physician, the need to continue PEP;
    • If the defendant is tested 30 days to six months after the assault, there would be no specific medical benefit for you since the time frame for PEP would have been completed;
    • Testing of the defendant at any time within 6 months of the assault may provide the psychological benefit of knowing that exposure to HIV in unlikely if the defendant tests HIV negative.

    6. If the survivor decides to request Defendant HIV Testing, make arrangements provide post- test results and counseling to the survivor.

    II. Post Defendant HIV Test Counseling for Survivors

    Once the results of the HIV testing of the defendant have been received, meet with the survivor to provide the results and the following key information. Be aware that it may be necessary to review information regarding exposure, risks of infection and the medical/psychological benefits having the defendants test results that were discussed in the previous session.

    1. Carefully explain what the defendant’s test results mean for the survivor:

    • If the defendant tests negative, he or she was not infected with HIV at the time of the sexual assault and did not infect you;
    • If the defendant tests positive, he or she may have been HIV infected at the time of the sexual assault;
    • If the defendant was HIV infected at the time, you may have been exposed to HIV and you may be infected. However, being exposed to HIV does not mean you were infected;
    • Results of your own HIV tests are the only way to know for sure whether or not you have HIV.

    2. Indicate that, regardless of whether the defendant tests positive or negative for HIV, he or she has a right to privacy regarding the test results. Discuss the following information about who can receive the results of the defendant’s HIV tests and how it can and can’t be used:

    • The defendant can choose to either receive or not receive his or her test results;
    • You (the survivor) have the right to the defendant’s HIV status as a result of the tests;
    • You may share information about the defendant’s HIV test results with your doctor, legal representative, close family members or legal guardian;
    • You may also share the information with any of your sex or needle-sharing partners if you believe you exposed them to HIV. You can not tell them the defendant’s name.

    3. Stress that these are the only people the survivor is allowed to share the defendant’s test results with. The survivor and any one that they are authorized to tell under the law can not share this information with anyone else.

    4.  Be sure that the survivor knows that the defendant’s HIV test results cannot be used as evidence against them. The defendant’s HIV test results cannot be shared with the court and cannot be used in either a criminal or civil case related to the sexual assault against the survivor. Information about the defendant’s HIV status is strictly for the medical or psychological benefit of the survivor.

    5. If requested, provide the survivor with information regarding any appropriate medical and psychological services that may be available.

     

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    HIV Testing of Defendants of Felony Sexual Assault webcast

    April 2008

    In order to view the HIV Testing of Defendants of Felony Sexual Assault webcast, you should: 

    1. Download the most recent copy of Real Player from the Real website at: http://www.real.com/freeplayer/?rppr=rnwk
    2. Open the Real Player program and in the address line paste or type in the following address: rtsp://real.hvcc.edu/hiv
    3. When prompted for a user ID type in: hivdef
    4. When prompted for a password type in: view
    5. View the program 

    If you have any difficulty viewing the program, please call HIV Education and Training Programs at 518-474-3045.
     
    Additional information about the webcast is outlined below.
     
    Objectives of the Webcast:
    By the end of this broadcast, participants will be able to:

    • State the health and psychological benefits of enabling survivors of felony sexual assault to learn the HIV status of the person who is charged with committing the assault (the defendant);
    • Recall the specific circumstances under which a sexual assault survivor can request court-ordered HIV testing of the defendant;
    • Describe the process for obtaining a court order for HIV testing of the defendant;
    • Implement NYSDOH clinical guidelines that outline the HIV testing technologies to best address the window period in different testing scenarios;
    • Recall clinical guidance regarding continuation or discontinuation of post-exposure prophylaxis based on the results of the defendant’s HIV test;
    • Describe the confidentiality protections in place for the defendant’s HIV-related information; and
    • Describe how information about this new law will be disseminated within health, legal and correctional settings.

    Panel of Presenters:
    The panel of presenters included a clinical expert, legal expert and staff from the NYSDOH.
     
    Who Should View the Webcast?
    This session is intended for supervisors and staff that work with sexual assault survivors or defendants in the health care system, legal system, correctional system or social service system.  Staff from the following specific settings are encouraged to attend:

    • hospital emergency departments
    • rape crisis programs
    • local health departments
    • court  system
    • public defenders
    • criminal justice system
    • those interested in HIV policy

     

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    CDC.gov: Issues with Oral Fluid Rapid Tests


    June 2008

    CDC.gov: Issues with Oral Fluid Rapid Tests

    The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) reports in the June 18, 2008 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) (early release) article “False-Positive Oral Fluid Rapid Tests, New York City 2005-2008” that sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in NYC using the oral fluid rapid test have reported episodic increases in false-positive tests over the past few years. These reports have resulted in NYC DOHMH opting to use the finger stick rapid test while efforts are continuing to find the cause of the increase in false-positive results. The test, OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test (Orasure Technologies, Bethlehem, PA), can be performed on oral fluid and has broadened the settings in which HIV testing can be provided. The MMWR article covers testing done in STD clinics in New York City from March 2005 through May 2008.

    The first cluster of false-positive tests occurred in late 2005 and subsided after several months. Another, larger increase in the incidence of false-positive oral fluid rapid test results began in late 2007 and continued through April 2008, at which time the NYC DOHMH discontinued offering this test in its STD clinics. From November 2007 to April 2008 the number of false-positive test results exceeded the number that would have been expected based on the upper limit of the manufacturer’s claim. (May data, which became available after discontinuation of oral fluid testing in the STD clinics, showed that the recent increase in false-positive results had subsided). From March 2005 through May 2008, the NYC DOHMH administered 160,174 oral fluid rapid tests, of which 0.27% of the tests were confirmed false-positive results. Thus, overall the oral fluid rapid test performed well and within the manufacturer’s limits described in the package insert. It should also be noted that during all months described in this report the test operated within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, which call for a minimum threshold of 98.0% specificity, that is, the probability that the test will be negative among patients who do not have the infection.

    Oral fluid tests play an important role in HIV prevention efforts, making HIV testing possible in many venues where performing phlebotomy or fingerstick is impractical. CDC continues to support the use of rapid oral fluid HIV tests. However, in general, FDA-approved testing with blood or serum specimens is more accurate than testing with oral fluid. In settings where blood specimens are already obtained routinely, testing with blood or serum specimens is preferred. NYC’s experience demonstrates that repeating the same rapid test on fingerstick whole blood after a reactive oral fluid test result can reduce the number of false-positive test results while minimizing the number of fingerstick tests that must be performed. Even when a follow-up rapid test is performed after a reactive oral fluid test, confirmatory testing is still required.

    CDC will continue to work with the NYC DOHMH, FDA, test manufacturer, and other health departments and community-based organizations that provide HIV testing to establish the cause of the false-positive results and to provide guidance to ensure patients receive accurate results from their HIV tests. Additionally, CDC encourages all programs that administer rapid tests to monitor confirmatory test results after reactive rapid tests. Further, CDC recommends that all providers clearly note the strengths and weaknesses of any HIV test, including the need to confirm reactive rapid tests, when offering one to a patient.

    CDC HIV testing guidelines recommend that a positive HIV test should be followed by a confirmatory test, regardless of the source of the initial test.

     

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    NYS Court-Ordered HIV Testing of Defendants

    March 2008

    As of November 1, 2007, New York State Criminal Procedure Law § 210.16 requires testing of criminal defendants, indicted for certain felony sex offenses, for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), upon the request of the victim. The following documents are meant to be used as a guide for navigating HIV testing for defendants.

    Healthcare Provider Alert (Adobe Acrobat)

    Defendant Testing Guide (Adobe Acrobat)

    Characteristics of HIV Tests (Adobe Acrobat)

    Procedures for Submission of Specimens to the Wadsworth Center for Defendant HIV Testing (Adobe Acrobat)

    Teleconference Q&A (Adobe Acrobat)

    New York State Criminal Procedure Law § 210.16 (Adobe Acrobat)

    Judge’s Fact Sheet

    Information for Defendants in Sexual Assault Cases

    Information for Survivors of Sexual Assault

    HIV Testing of Defendants of Felony Sexual Assault webcast

    Counseling Messages for the Survivor of Felony Sexual Assault

     

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    Dear Colleague Letter: False-Positive Results with Use of Oral Fluid Rapid Test


    June 2008

    Dear Colleague:

    The purpose of this letter is to clarify issues that have been raised regarding rapid HIV tests in the June 18, 2008/Vol. 57 MMWR, False-Positive Oral fluid Rapid HIV Tests – New York City, 2005–2008. Findings from this report may raise concerns about the use of rapid HIV tests, especially the use of oral fluid with the OraQuick brand test.

    There is no reason to change testing policies or stop using oral fluid rapid tests.

    Though New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (NYC DOHMH) STD clinics report experiencing as increase in the rate of false-positive test results, this has not been identified as a problem at other sites using oral fluid rapid tests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ongoing investigations, and programs using oral fluid tests should be aware of the unexplained variability in the rate of false-positive tests.

    Routine monitoring of rapid testing and a review of false-positive rates should be in place.

    Although waived rapid HIV antibody tests are simple to use and can provide reliable results when the manufacturer’s directions are followed, mistakes can occur at any point in the testing process. Additionally, no test is perfect – there may be a small proportion of people who are not infected with HIV who will have a false-positive test result. The product information identifies rates of false-positive results depending on the seroprevalence in the population. Reviewing this information and conducting routine monitoring of testing and false-positive rates will ensure high quality testing outcomes.

    Patients/clients should be informed of the strength and limitations of oral fluid rapid tests.

    From a user’s standpoint, a pattern of false-positive test results may cause a loss of confidence in the test and can negatively impact services. The CDC recommends that each individual receive the subject information pamphlet as required by the FDA and are properly informed regarding the technology used.

    All permitted labs must have a quality assurance program in place.

    Quality assurance refers to planned, step-by-step activities that ensures testing is being carried out correctly, results are accurate, and mistakes are identified and corrected to avoid adverse outcomes. These activities should be in place during the entire testing process to monitor staff competency in test performance and the specific procedures that may impact test results (expiration dates, storage and clinic temperature, good lighting, etc.).

    All rapid reactive test results require confirmatory testing.

    The standard HIV testing algorithm in the U.S. consists of a screening test, such as a rapid test, followed by confirmatory testing (e.g., a western blot). Any rapid reactive test must be confirmed. If such confirmatory testing yields negative or indeterminate results, follow-up testing should be performed on a blood specimen collected four weeks after the initial reactive rapid HIV test result.

    Rapid HIV testing continues to play an important role in HIV prevention and is a tool for identifying HIV infection.

    Rapid HIV testing, particularly with oral fluid specimens, has increased the availability and acceptability of HIV testing among populations at high risk for HIV infection. A benefit of rapid tests is the increased receipt of test results among those tested. Overall since FDA approval of the oral fluid rapid test, it has performed well despite these episodic elevated levels of false-positive results, and had made HIV testing possible in many venues where performing phlebotomy or finger stick is impractical.

    Information on rapid HIV tests and the MMWR can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/testing/rapid/index.htm. Product and performance information can be found at http://www.orasure.com/. The New York State Department of Health is encouraging all organizations that conduct oral fluid rapid tests to notify OraSure Technologies of any irregularities in results and/or contact Mara San Antonio of the AIDS Institute, at 1-518-474-3671 for technical assistance.

    Sincerely,

    Humberto Cruz

    Director, AIDS Institute

    Links:

    Download this letter as a PDF

    CDC.gov: Issues with Oral Fluid Rapid Tests

    MMWR: False-Positive Oral Fluid Rapid Tests, New York City 2005-2008

    MMWR: Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults, Adolescents, and Pregnant Women in Health-Care Settings

     

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    Health Alert: Treatment for Fluoroquinolone-resistant (QRNG) Gonorrhea

    May 2007

    The CDC has announced that fluoroquinolones are no longer recommended for the treatment of gonorrhea in the United States. This recommendation was based on analysis of new data from CDC’s Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP).

    Recommended options for treating gonorrhea are now limited to a single class of antibiotics, cephalosporins. Within this class, the NYSDOH and CDC recommend ceftriaxone, available only as an injection, as the preferred treatment for all types of gonorrhea infection (genital, anal, and pharyngeal).

    Because of the lack of treatment options, CDC strongly encourages state and local health departments to:

    • Maintain or develop capacity to culture for N. gonorrhoeae
    • Maintain capacity or develop partnerships with other experienced laboratories to conduct drug susceptibility tests for any patients who fail gonorrhea treatment

    NYSDOH BSTDC recommends that all patients treated for gonorrhea infection (including those treated with cephalosporins) must have a follow-up physical examination (anogenital and oral) and a test of cure (TOC) from the infected sites identified at the time of the initial diagnosis. A TOC is essential in all cases, even those asymptomatic after treatment. Isolates from treatment failures should be tested for antibiotic resistance.

    • TOC is recommended at 2 weeks post-treatment if using culture or at 4 weeks post-treatment if using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) regardless of whether symptoms have resolved or not.
    • If the post-treatment NAAT is positive, a culture must be performed to assess for resistance.

    Providers should report all cases or suspected cases of resistance to state and local public health authorities so that the NYSDOH and CDC can closely monitor and appropriately respond to any emerging resistance.

    The complete alert from the NYSDOH Bureau of Sexually Transmitted Disease Control can be accessed by clicking here.

     

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    Hot Topics

    For current Hot Topics, please visit the Hot Topics page.

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