2007 Policy Priorities: Time to Deliver
Mobilizing Science, Programs, and Resources to Stop New Infections

3. Make Condoms Readily Available in Jails and Prisons.

CHALLENGE: Although the prevalence of HIV is reportedly three times higher among incarcerated populations than the general public, condoms remain contraband in over 99% of jails and prisons in the U.S. Ample data demonstrates that, despite legal prohibitions, as many as two-thirds of inmates report engaging in consensual sex. Condom distribution in jails and prisons offers individuals opportunities to protect themselves and others from HIV and STDs. Experience from several U.S. jurisdictions and other countries prove that condom availability can be successfully implemented in correctional settings without increasing security risks. The benefits of condom availability programs extend far beyond jails and prisons to partners and family members of recently released individuals.

SOLUTION: Illinois Department of Corrections must remove condoms from the contraband list and distribute them widely throughout correctional facilities.

4. Expand Syringe Exchange Programs.

CHALLENGE: Syringe purchase and exchange initiatives have dramatically reduced syringe sharing among Illinois injection drug users. Annual reported HIV cases among injection drug users declined by more than 25% from 2000-2004 in Chicago and by 44% statewide. Despite a 2003 state law allowing adults to purchase syringes at pharmacies without a prescription, needle exchange programs remain necessary because they provide social and medical services to drug users who may not otherwise access them. Recent under-funding has forced severe reductions in the availability of needle exchange—a development that could increase HIV and hepatitis transmission among injectors.

SOLUTION: Illinois must invest state resources in needle exchange, particularly downstate where no programs exist. Congress must lift a decades-old prohibition against federal funding for these scientifically proven interventions.

5. Expand the Routine Offer of HIV Testing.

CHALLENGE: Expanding the routine offer of voluntary HIV testing, as recently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will require new resources and careful implementation. Public health entities must ensure expanded testing is of the highest quality and conducted ethically. Testing programs must provide readily available, culturally competent, and accurate HIV information; informed written consent; and post-test counseling, including access to appropriate service linkages and referrals.

SOLUTION: The General Assembly and Governor Rod Blagojevich must appropriate $2 million in new funding for IDPH to establish a new grants program for expanded HIV testing in healthcare settings. IDPH should use funding to assist emergency departments, jails, ambulatory care settings, STD clinics, and other organizations in purchasing rapid HIV testing kits, hiring additional staff, training medical providers, and developing and disseminating expedited testing protocols. In addition, Congress must make new funding available to states to expand routine and voluntary HIV testing, care, and treatment services.

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Printable Document (PDF)

Introduction

Ten Steps to Prevent New HIV Infections

Federal and State Legislative Agenda

The Comprehensive Agenda

Illinois HIV/AIDS Statistics