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News From South Florida AIDS Network, December Sean McShee Each month HIV service providers and members of the HIV infected and affected communities meet to exchange information and gain knowledge about HIV at the monthly meeting of the South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN). Below are the highlights of the SFAN meeting on December 6, 2013. Programs/Services Information A residential detox and 30 day aftercare program has opened for Ryan White Care eligible clients. This new program offers detox and thirty days aftercare for all types of
addictions: heroin, methamphetamine, alcohol, etc. Contact BARC Central (954-357-4851) for more information or to set up an appointment. The Ryan White Part B Medication CoPayment. This program provides co-pays for prescriptions, including non-antiretroviral drugs. Call 954-467-4700, Ext. 5663 to set up an appointment or for more information on this program. Taking medications as directed. Jansen Therapeutics has developed a web based program (www.mhm.care4today.com) that texts reminders to people about when to take
their meds. It’s free if you have text messaging. It works for both non-HIV and HIV meds. Accomplishments Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission. Among all Broward births in 2013, no babies had contracted HIV from their mothers as of December 6 2013. Undetectable Viral Load. Since June 2013, the percent of ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program) patients in Broward with an undetectable viral load has steadily increased from 74 to 77 percent, maintaining both their own health and reducing chances of their infecting others. Reports Florida Community Planning Network (a planning/advisory body, similar to SFAN but
on the state level). Kim Saiswick reported on their November meeting. HIV Florida Legislative issues: A bill has been introduced to facilitate routine HIV testing in medical procedures. HIV testing would remain voluntary and be at the doctor’s discretion, but with an “opt out” provision, rather than an “opt-in” provision. HIV Testing. A new HIV testing technique allows identification of HIV infection in its most acute and infectious stage. Ten people in Florida have been identified in this highly infectious stage so far and all have been linked to care. Next Meeting 1/10/14 at 10 am at the Holy Cross Healthplex, Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center, 1000 NE 56th Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334. These meetings are open to the public and newcomers are encouraged to attend.
HIV in Broward Among adult women living with HIV/AIDS in Broward County, 81.1 percent are African-American. About 72 percent of all adult female HIV cases in Broward result from heterosexual contact.
Number of Women in Broward living with HIV/AIDS by Race
3987
404
523
*Source January-October 2013 Broward HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report
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// 12.11.2013 // SFGN.com //
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