Integrating Rapid HIV Testing into Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Settings: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Rapid HIV Testing Pilot

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) established the Rapid HIV Testing Pilot to increase number of individuals at risk for HIV/AIDS transmission due to substance abuse and/or mental health disorders who are screened, tested, and referred to quality treatment and other support services. Clients with a reactive test are offered confirmatory testing, and persons with HIV are case managed and referred for HIV treatment services. To date, 6,687 individuals were tested. Of these individuals, 66.5% were male and 33% were female. The racial and ethnic groups included African Americans (48.5%), Whites (43.8%), and Latinos (30%). African Americans were more likely to be tested in outpatient drug and alcohol clinics (28.5%), while Whites were more likely to be tested in shelter/transitional housing settings (38.3%) and Latinos in other community settings (29.5%). Various high risk behaviors were reported including sexual risk behaviors (55.4%), drug risk alcohol use (57%), and binge drinking behavior (29.8%). Bivariate relationships will be discussed, along with test results data. Testing in drug treatment systems continues to be critical facet of HIV prevention efforts. This initiative provides compelling insight emphasizing the importance of HIV rapid testing to treatment and outreach systems and providers.