HIV Testing & Prevention Project
Bureau of Maternal and Infant Health
Division of Community Health & Prevention
Illinois Department of Human Services
Program Description
Target
The HIV Testing and Prevention Project targets family planning clients at the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital Fantus Health Center Title X Family Planning Program. This program serves nine surrounding Chicago community areas; including Austin, West Garfield, Near Westside, South Lawndale, Englewood, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale and West Englewood. Ninety-five percent of the clinic clients fall below the federal poverty level. As of March 2007, the number of cumulative HIV cases among Illinois women was 4,033; 68% of these cases were among African American and 11% among Hispanic women. The percentage of non-Hispanic Blacks living in the service area is high. A large percentage of Hispanics live in Humboldt Park and South Lawndale.
Purpose
The HIV Testing and Prevention Project expands current HIV education and testing to clients at the family planning clinic. The rapid HIV tests significantly decreases the number of people who never learn their test result since results are available during the visit in which the test was performed. This project will enable implementation of universal testing when Illinois law is adopted in July 2008.
Services
All family planning clients receive assessment of HIV risk behaviors, education about HIV infection and how it can be prevented. Clients are offered a rapid HIV test, post-test counseling and referral to treatment services if necessary at the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center.
Delivery Method
Prevention education includes the ABC approach to educate women to decrease their exposure to HIV. ABC has been redefined to include: A - extramarital abstinence and delaying first sex, B - being faithful in marital or committed relationships and reducing the number of sexual partners and C - correct and consistent use of condoms. Use of rapid HIV testing allows delivery of the test results during the clinic visit. Post-test counseling accompanies notifying the client about her results. Treatment services are available within the Bureau of health Services of Cook County.
Program Data
|
SFY08 |
| Program Expenditure (Numbers in 000's) |
$67,735 |
| Number Served |
546 |
Program Effectiveness
Funding for this project was received on October 1, 2007.
