Rapid testing targeting American Indians/Alaska Natives in Wisconsin

Issues: American Indians/Alaska Natives get tested for HIV at lower rates than many other populations American Indians/Alaska Natives are at higher risk for HIV infection due to reasons including higher rates of sexual/domestic abuse among women American Indians/Alaska Natives have concerns regarding confidentiality with HIV testing There are few culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS interventions that are tailored to American Indians/Alaska Natives

Description: Rapid testing and prevention education for attendees at the 2009 Menominee Tribal powwow in Wisconsin

Lessons Learned: A lot of staff is needed to cover information booth, testing station, and education station A lot of supplies are needed There is a lack of knowledge in Indian communities regarding sexual health Organizers need a way to deal with young minors approaching booth It is difficult to determine how young is too young for someone to receive free condoms Privacy/confidentiality concerns for people who recognized staff Incentives for testing encouraged low risk individuals to get tested

Recommendations: States should add the following groups to their high risk groups if they haven't already done so: People who have been the victim of a sexual assault People working in the sex industry or trading sex (by choice or by force/coercion) People having unprotected anal sex (This is often thought of as “covered” when you ask if someone is a man who has sex with men. However, this does not cover females engaging in anal sex. Therefore, the question should address a specific behavior rather than the gender of sexual partners.)