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| District HIV and AIDS data finally released |
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The Department of Health's HIV/AIDS Administration has finally released long awaited data on HIV and AIDS in DC. Check out the full report, but some key points are that: -DC has the highest rates of the country, including 1 in 20 residents estimated to be infected with HIV, 1 in 50 with full-blown AIDS -new infections are spread across heterosexual contact (37%), men who have sex with men (22%) and intravenous drug use (14%) -HIV and AIDS disproportionately affect the black/African-American community, and Wards 1, 5, 6 and 8 have the highest number of new HIV and AIDS cases ----------------- DC Applessed, a public interest group, which released a report on HIV/AIDS in the District and the government's response, has been grading the city government's efforts. The original report was quite critical of current anti-HIV efforts in DC, and issued recommendations for the government to take into consideration. DC Appleseed intends to monitor progress and publicly issue periodic report cards on results. Grades are assigned to the District’s progress in implementing 12 key recommendations from the DC Appleseed report in the six months following the report release. The 12 areas to be assessed have been reviewed and endorsed by the District government. Grades will be determined with community and government input. The areas to be assessed are: (1) leadership; (2) public reporting of HIV data; (3) HIV surveillance staffing; (4) grants management; (5) rapid HIV testing; (6) routine HIV testing; (7) condom distribution; (8) HIV prevention in D.C. Public Schools; (9) syringe exchange services; (10) substance abuse treatment; (11) HIV/AIDS among the incarcerated; and (12) the HIV/AIDS Administration’s website. Different Avenues applauds efforts to improve services for the prevention and treatment of HIV in DC, so we can do a better job of supporting our communities. |
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