HIVSTD Program - News and Events

Conference

	October 28-31, 2012 Austin, Texas

DSHS Highlights Resistant Gonorrhea during STD Awareness Month

CDC recognizes April as STD Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness about the impact of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on the health of Americans and the importance of individuals discussing sexual health with their healthcare providers and, if sexually active, their partners. On April 18, DSHS presented "Grand Rounds - A Perfect Storm: How Resistant Gonorrhea Will Exploit Our Patient Care Practices and the STD System." Learn more about resistant gonorrhea and other STD topics for health care professionals, parents, and teens.Updated 4/19/2012

Information for Ryan White and Texas HIV Medication Program Clients who have Texas Medicaid Coverage

DSHS is working together with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to make sure you know about changes that are coming to the Medicaid program in Texas. It’s important for your continuity of care that you know about these changes. Learn more. Posted 1/17/2012

In Texas over the past few years about 4,200 persons have been diagnosed with HIV each year. However, a little more than 1 in 3 persons diagnosed with HIV in Texas between 2003- 2009 had a late diagnosis – meaning they were diagnosed with AIDS within one year of their first HIV diagnosis, and they had been living with HIV for quite some time without diagnosis or treatment. DSHS also estimates that in Texas, about 1 in 3 persons with a known HIV infection were not receiving HIV-related care. To learn more about the state of HIV in Texas, visit the HIV/AIDS Dashboard. Posted 12/1/2011

The DSHS TB/HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Unit has released the Texas Integrated Epidemiologic Profile for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services Planning (Epi Profile) (PDF : 3,348 kb), a summary of information on known HIV/AIDS cases in Texas. This Epi Profile will be the most comprehensive released by Texas to date. Due to the amount of data and the complexity of the document, DSHS will release several updates of the profile with new chapters added for each release. The final version will be released by the end of February 2012. Please check the DSHS HIV/STD Program Reports page periodically for new updates of this document. Posted 12/1/2011

Program Collaboration, Service Integration (PCSI) is a unique way of looking at public health activities, combining two approaches for improving its outcomes:

• Program Collaboration (PC) is a mutually beneficial and defined relationship between programs or organizations to achieve common goals; while
• Service Integration (SI) occurs at the client level and is about providing multiple services at natural access points.

Because HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, TB and viral hepatitis share many social, environmental, behavioral, and biological determinants and are often managed by similar organizations, public health efforts to prevent their occurrence require a united strategy. Single services provided to persons with multiple related risks miss significant opportunities to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Common risks suggest the need for common solutions and enhanced collaboration among related prevention programs. DSHS has outlined several approaches to better understand and address these interrelated epidemics. Learn more by reading the Texas PCSI Plan (PDF : 1,306 kb). Contact  with comments or questions. Posted 10/4/2011

DSHS is pleased to announce the release of the estimated available Ryan White Part B services allocations for April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013. View the available funding for each area (PDF : 12 kb). Posted 9/16/2011

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has determined that it will not be necessary to change existing eligibility criteria for the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) on September 1, 2011 – the start of state fiscal year 2012. No eligibility changes that would restrict THMP enrollment are planned at this time.  To learn more, see the HIV/STD Insider. Updated 9/9/2011

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the establishment of a new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) that will offer coverage to uninsured Americans who have been unable to obtain health coverage because of a pre-existing health condition including HIV/AIDS. To learn more see the DSHS PCIP guidance sheet (PDF : 48 kb). Updated 8/8/2011

Funding Opportunities

Competetive RFP for HIV Prevention Projects [State Comptroller] - Issued May 16, 2012, Due July 31, 2012

This site contains HIV or STD messages that may not be deemed appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and other STDs are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this web site.