Opinion Editorial

Author: Paula M. Thaqi, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Florida Department of Health in Broward County

August 28, 2017

Contact:  Candy Sims, Public Information Officer (954) 467-4784. candy.sims@flhealth.gov

(Fort Lauderdale, Fl) - The Florida Department of Health (DOH-Broward) is implementing 4 key components to reduce rates of new HIV infection in Broward County. These include routine HIV testing in the healthcare setting and targeted testing in the non-healthcare setting, HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Non-occupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP), community outreach and Test and Treat. On May 1, 2017, DOH-Broward, in partnership with the Broward County Ryan White Part A Grantee Office, HIV testing sites (registered), hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community based organizations, emergency departments and physicians, launched Test and Treat in Broward County.

Test and Treat is a voluntary clinical program providing immediate entry into HIV primary care and initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), medication that treats HIV. People newly diagnosed with HIV, as well as those who previously tested positive and are not in regular HIV primary care, are eligible for Test and Treat. Clients are offered the opportunity to start ART the same day of diagnosis or returning to care. The program benefits the client’s health and the community. Since the program began, over 335 clients have been enrolled in Test and Treat.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Guidelines currently recommend ART for all people living with HIV. Increasing data show a medical benefit to the client when immediate ART is initiated, particularly during acute/early HIV infection. ART decreases the amount of HIV virus in the blood to undetectable levels, which makes people far less likely to progress to developing AIDS and greatly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to sexual partners. Many clients report that the decision to start ART and quickly achieving undetectable levels of HIV virus provides them with the first experience of empowerment in living with HIV.

On a daily basis, healthcare providers and community partners notify DOH-Broward about potential Test and Treat clients. DOH-Broward staffers meet the client immediately and offer them the option of Test and Treat. If the client accepts, the staff member accompanies the client to see an HIV primary care physician the same day at one of the participating Test and Treat providers. These include AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Broward Community and Family Health Centers, Broward Health, Care Resource, Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Memorial Healthcare Systems and several private infectious disease practices. In most cases, the client receives a 30 day supply of medication immediately. DOH-Broward staffers follow Test and Treat clients closely to ensure that they have completed the eligibility process for services, are connected to all appropriate services, are keeping appointments and are taking their medication every day. Staffers also assist with addressing barriers and navigating the system of care.