Bexar County HIV/Syphilis Task Force Overview and Highlights Tyler Test Texas HIV Regional Meeting August 25, 2011

Background Initial Impetus for Task Force Meetings initiated by San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) in late 2009 To avoid duplication of testing Identify gaps in targeted testing, as well as geographic gaps Identify testing #s per agency Identify percentage positive per agency

SAAF’s Initial Survey Questions for Agencies who Provide Testing 1.How many HIV tests have you provided Jan – Nov 2009? 2.How many positives did you identify in that 11 month period? 3.What was the principal risk for those identified as positive? While most of those persons who SAAF tests for HIV are heterosexual, the vast majority of our positives are MSM. 4.Where is your agency providing off-site HIV Testing? Please list the various sites. 5.How frequently are you providing HIV testing at each of these places? 6.Do you go to some sites, such as bath houses or bars at night? If so, when do you test there? 7.Is there any other important information you would like to share with us regarding your testing practices?

Additional Impetus HRSA mandated Early Identification of Individuals who are unaware of their HIV/AIDS status (EIIHA) and linking them to care as part of the Ryan White program.

Creation of HIV/Syphilis Task Force SAAF turned efforts over to Bexar County as Administrative Agency (AA) for Ryan White AA along with Metro Health began formal task force The HIV/Syphilis Testing Task Force’s Goal: Decrease the further spread of HIV and Syphilis by identifying those who are already infected. Members include key stakeholders: ASOs, Hospital Systems, Health Departments, governmental entities (City, County State), SAMHSA, OMH, and HRSA grantees

Our Structure: key in maintaining membership Consistent Location: YMCA Tripoint Length and time of the meetings: 2 hours Day: first Wednesday of every month Business cards Co-facilitation Simple Committee Structure Rotating refreshment sponsorship Secretarial Support (Bexar County AA Planning Council and AA QM Program as part of EIIHA Initiative) Agenda and Highlights format remains consistent Listing of our accomplishments Database/ listing

Committee Structure Get Ready: Identify, Survey testers Get Set: Identify barriers, perceived gaps, resources and action plans address gaps/barriers Go: educate testers and consumers on testing, increase testing availability. Increase testing by 20%

Some of our Accomplishments Routine testing: University Health System (UHS) in 2 urgent care clinics and ER (1.2% positive, 10 times expected percentage) Centro Med (FQHC) in 20 outpatient clinics Coordinated efforts: MOU for testing at Methadone facilities Designed and implemented testing survey Greater than AIDS event at Spurs game Coordinated testing efforts for Haven for Hope (homeless campus)

Information/Material Dissemination Distribution of 100 resource guides and health diaries from Ryan White Planning Council Distributed 500 hygiene kits (including male and female condoms) to help reach and test marginalized populations

Provide information at meetings: Sample topics covered: How Does Routine Testing Differ from Targeted Testing- DSHS Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and Syphilis in Bexar County, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District Linking Testing Efforts to Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services and Clients-Center for Health Care Services. Bexar Area Harm Reduction Coalition and update on the Syringe Legislation HB#117 –Jenny Panzo Genetic immunity to HIV infection – Sunil Ahuja, MD, PhD Linking Testing Efforts to Local County Jail University Health System’s Men’s Health Clinic

Training and Technical Assistance Provided 2 half-day sessions on male and female condoms (history, efficacy, how to apply properly) with total attendance of 80 on February 11, Provide technical assistance (told our story) to TX/LA Quarterly AA Meeting 2010 Provide technical assistance (told our story) to Bexar County AA HIV/AIDS 1 st Annual Summit, February 12, Provide technical assistance (told our story) to SAMHSA Community and Faith Based Providers Technical Assistance Conference. June 28, Provide technical assistance (told our story) to Austin Area Test Texas Regional Meeting.

Presented by: Former Co-Chair Charlene Doria-Ortiz Contact Information Current Co-Chairs Jill Rips Lucia Bustamante