The clinical care and treatment of the incarcerated with HIV disease is a major issue for prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers. Institutional issues often serve as barriers to HIV testing and counseling, clinical care and follow-up in settings that are receiving increased numbers of persons at risk for HIV. Disparities exist between care received by prisoners and persons in the community. Such disparities also exist between institutions across the country. A comprehensive, coordinated continuum of HIV clinical services and care needs to be provided within prisons and jails that includes counseling and testing, peer prevention education, HIV treatment, substance abuse,mental health care, and discharge planning. This paper will describe a comprehensive model utilizing a partnership between correntions, university-based HIV treatment, public health, and the community programs that has been utilized to improve access to HIV care, treatment, and prevention. This model emphasizes a strong educational approach for correctional staff, prisoners, and correctional leadership.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss the disparities and barriers in accessing HIV treatment for the incarcerated 2. Discuss systems interventions needed to decrease disparities and barriers 3. Discuss components of model programs in increasing HIV prevention and treatment
Keywords: Correctional Health Care, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.