New Texas HIV Case Management Standards
DSHS is pleased to announce the new Texas HIV Case Management Standards (PDF : 426 kb). All agencies will have the next year to make necessary adjustments to their internal policies in order to meet the new requirements. Beginning January 1st, 2013, all agencies will be monitored for compliance with the new standards. For more information about the new Texas HIV Case Management Standards, please contact your Administrative Agency.
Learn more about the Texas HIV Case Management Project.
 Thursday, February 9, 2012
NAPWA Opens Registration for D/FW Summit
Registration is now open for the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) Healthy Living Summit. The Summit will be held April 8-12 at the American Airlines Training and Conference Center, just south of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
This new annual event, which continues the work of NAPWA’s Staying Alive conferences, is the only national AIDS conference exclusively by and specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS. The goal of the Summit is to advance HIV-positive individuals' ability to access HIV treatment and care, their knowledge of HIV prevention with positives and clinical trials, and their understanding of HIV drug resistance and other wellness information. Topics for workshops and institutes include women and HIV, Positive Youth Institute, men and HIV, HIV and hepatitis C co-infection and treatment options, HIV treatment regimens and adherence, clinical trial updates and accessing care programs, substance abuse and mental health; HIV/AIDS public policy, and more to be announced.
The all-inclusive $525 registration fee covers admission to the Summit as well as lodging and meals. A limited number of scholarships are available for people who are HIV-positive and need support to attend the Summit. NAPWA’s priority population for awarding scholarships is HIV–positive young people attending the Summit for the first time.
To register for the Summit or apply for a scholarship, visit the NAPWA website.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Austin Presentation on New Treatment Options for Hepatitis C
Dr. Imtiaz Alam will be discussing the new “Triple Therapies” that are available to address chronic hepatitis C infection. Triple Therapy includes treatment with peginterferon, ribavirin, and a specifically targeted antiviral agent such as a protease inhibitor, which improves sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1.
The presentation is scheduled for Monday, February 20, 2012, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, at AIDS Services of Austin (ASA), 7215 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas. The presentation is open to anyone and refreshments will be available.
This presentation is sponsored by ASA and TAS Specialty Pharmacy.
For more information, call (512) 406-6447.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
“Women Like You” Workshop in Ft. Worth Feb. 25
The Texas Black Women’s Initiative presents the “Women Like You” workshop in Fort Worth on Saturday, Feb. 25 at New Harvest Missionary Baptist Church, 5205 Carol Ave. The workshop features a presentation from In Bed with a Snake author Linda Bridgewater along with educational and statistical information on the effects of HIV/AIDS on African American women as well as women of all races. Registration opens at 10 a.m. For more information, contact or call 817-321-4866.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Consumer/Provider Shared Decision-Making in Healthcare Technical Assistance Conference Call
On Thursday, February 16 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST, the National Quality Center (NQC) will hold a free national technical assistance webconference call entitled, "Consumer/Provider Shared Decision-Making in Healthcare." This call will be facilitated by AIDS Institute Program Manager for Consumer Affairs, Daniel Tietz, and feature grantee examples from the field.
This call will describe and explain patient self-management, activated patients, patient-centered care, and consumer involvement. Participants will also learn how providers can support patient self-management for People Living with HIV/AIDS and how to access resources on patient self-management, patient-centered care and consumer involvement.
To learn more or to register for this call, visit the NQC website.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Two New Free Web-Based HIV Courses
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) local performance site of the TX/OK AIDS Education & Training Center (TX/OK AETC) is hosting a free web-based training March 1st from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. CST entitled, "Webcast: HIV & Pregnancy" presented by Linda Salinas, M.D. from OUHSC in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This presentation includes what we know about reducing prenatal HIV transmission; highlights unique issues regarding HIV and pregnancy such as timing of perinatal HIV transmission, what to do when the HIV pregnant patient has not received prenatal care, and breast feeding and HIV infection. Various scenarios will be discussed such as HIV diagnosis at labor. This webcast will be presented over the internet using the web application, Adobe Connect Pro.
Pre-registration is required. Registration closes February 27.
To learn more and to register, visit the TX/OK AETC website.
In honor of the annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD), The TX/OK AIDS Education & Training Center (TX/OK AETC) in collaboration with the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (NNAAPC) is hosting a free web-based training entitled, "Webinar Honoring: National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day" on March 15 starting at 9:30 a.m. CST. The training will cover Diabetes & HIV, Hepatitis & HIV, using traditional treatment with clinical treatment, and native case management: Ahalaya model. Participants will be able to view slides, interact with the presenters, chat, and answer polling questions via web-based training platform Adobe Connect Pro.
Pre-registration is required. Group registration deadline: February 10. Individual registration deadline: March 9.
To learn more and to register, visit the TX/OK AETC website.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Texas - 2012
The following is a list of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) events taking place around Texas. The HIV/STD Program wishes to thank all of the organizations that sent event information to the HIV/STD Insider. Additional NBHAAD events around Texas may be listed at www.blackaidsday.org/states/tx.html. Please note that this list is for informational purposes only; the Texas Department of State Health Services does not necessarily sponsor or endorse any of the events and/or activities listed.
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 marks the twelfth annual observance of NBHAAD in the United States. The primary goal of NBHAAD is to encourage African Americans to get tested and know their HIV status, get educated about the transmission modes of HIV/AIDS, get involved in their local community, and get treated if they are currently living with HIV or are newly diagnosed. More information about NBHAAD, including an event planning guide and a link to order supplies and materials, is available at www.blackaidsday.org [NBHAAP].
AMARILLO
The Amarillo Department of Public Health HIV Prevention Team will conduct free and confidential rapid HIV testing will be conducted on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the following two locations:
Panhandle AIDS Support Organization, 1501 SW 10th, 10am-2pm Amarillo United Citizens Forum (Black Cultural Center), 901 N. Hayden, 4-7pm
For additional information, call 806-378-6300.
DALLAS
Zip Zap, an innovative testing initiative, is bringing free HIV and STD testing to various locations across North Dallas from Feb. 6-10.
The group provides services to some of the zip codes and communities in Dallas most affected by HIV.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is Feb. 7. If you live near Dallas, help your community be Greater Than AIDS and mark the day by finding out your status. Having an STD can also increase the risk of eventually contracting HIV, so comprehensive testing is key to protecting yourself. Knowing is everything.
See the list of scheduled locations below.
Monday, Feb. 6
North Park Terrace Apartments, 8662 Park Ln., 3-7pm
Tuesday, Feb. 7
Aldi Grocery, 9779 Forest Ln., 4:30-8:30pm
Wednesday, Feb. 8
Sage Pointe Apartments, 9900 Adelta, 4-8pm
Thursday, Feb. 9
Fox Hollow Apartments, 9450 Royal Ln., 2-6pm
Friday, Feb. 10
Wyndham on the Creek Apartments, 9633 W. Ferris Branch Blvd. 2-6pm
The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse’s HIV Outreach and HIV Early Intervention Programs will be offering free HIV testing and information at two locations on Feb. 7:
Urban League of Greater Dallas, 4315 S. Lancaster Rd., 9am-3pm MLK Family Clinic, 2922-B MLK, Jr. Blvd., 9am-4pm
For more information, contact Francis Montellano at 214-522-8600, ext. 222.
AIDS Arms will hold a special Valentine’s Day testing event on Tuesday, Feb. 14 called “Testing with My Boo.” From 11am to 4pm, couples can receive free testing for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia at Trinity Health and Wellness Center, 219 Sunset, Ste. 116A. This purpose of this event is to promote testing among sexual partners of unknown status as well as with those in sero-diverse relationships. For more information, call 214-521-5191.
NACOGDOCHES
Health Horizons of East Texas will be testing for HIV and syphilis and providing education on other STDs on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 8am to 12pm at Brooks Quinn Jones School, 907 N. Sanders. For more information, contact or call 936-569-8240, ext. 21.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
What is Your Agency Doing for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2012?
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 marks the annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) in the United States. The primary goal of NBHAAD is to encourage African Americans to get tested and know their HIV status, get educated about the transmission modes of HIV/AIDS, get involved in their local community, and get treated if they are currently living with HIV or are newly diagnosed. More information about NBHAAD, including an event planning guide and a link to order supplies and materials, is available on the NBHAAD website.
The Texas Department of State Health Services' HIV/STD Program is compiling a list of NBHAAD-related activities taking place around the state for publication in the HIV/STD Insider. Please e-mail us a brief description of your NBHAAD plans that includes the following information:
Agency name Event description Event date(s) and time(s) Event address Agency contact person and phone number
NOTE: This call is limited to special NBHAAD-related events only. Do not submit descriptions of regularly scheduled activities.
Please e-mail your information to by Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 5pm. You should also register your event in the NBHAAD database. Thank you for your cooperation.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Many Men, Many Voices Training of Facilitators
A Many Men, Many Voices (3MV) Training of Facilitators is scheduled for February 28 - March 2 in Dallas. 3MV is a seven-session, group-level HIV and STD prevention intervention for black gay men. The intervention addresses factors that influence the behavior of black men who have sex with men, including cultural, social, and religious norms; interactions between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases; sexual relationship dynamics; and the social and psychological influences that racism and homophobia have on HIV risk behaviors. 3MV is designed to be delivered by two facilitators (one of whom should be a member of the target population) in groups of up to 12 clients.
This training is sponsored by the Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions project (DEBI).
To learn more and to register, visit the DEBI website. Registration is open until January 31.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
New Slide Set Describing State of STD Infections in Texas
DSHS has produced a PowerPoint slide set describing Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis infections reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services Surveillance Program. This 16 slide set entitled "STD Epidemiology in Texas 2010" is available to download on the DSHS HIV/STD website (PowerPoint : 1,050 kb).
Monday, January 23, 2012
NASTAD and NCSD Institutional and Community Assessment
The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) and the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) recently launched a survey which aims to examine and address stigma in public health practice, particularly among Black and Latino gay men/MSM. NASTAD and NCSD are seeking responses to this survey from the community.
To take the survey, visit the survey website. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Submissions will be accepted until January 31.
Contact (202-434-8044) or (202-434-8056) with questions about this survey.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Oral Health and HIV Education Symposium
An Oral Health and HIV Education Symposium will be held on Friday, February 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in San Antonio. This Symposium is designed to provide dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants with the most current information on oral health, oral care, and HIV. This course will contain advanced information for practitioners anticipating the care and treatment of the HIV patient.
To learn more and to register for this free event, visit the TX/OK AETC website.
Monday, January 23, 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. Note: The changes described in the message only apply to you if you have Texas Medicaid coverage and a) you’re in the Primary Care Case Management (PCCM) Medicaid program or b) you’re in STAR or STAR+PLUS and there are new health plan options in your service area.
On March 1, 2012, the managed care model for Medicaid in Texas will expand statewide. If you get Medicaid services through Primary Care Case Management (PCCM), you should have gotten a packet in the mail from HHSC telling you about the change and encouraging you to pick a managed care medical plan. You also would have gotten this packet if you already have a Medicaid managed care plan and there are new medical plans to choose from in your service area. Here is more important information for you:
- You need to pick a medical plan. If you have not yet picked a medical plan, you should have gotten a packet in the mail from HHSC encouraging you to do so. If you do not pick a medical plan by February 10, 2012, HHSC will pick one for you. The packet from HHSC will include information on the medical plans you can pick from and how to enroll. You can check the provider directories of the medical plans offered in your service area to find out which doctors are in which medical plan. Once you’ve picked your medical plan, call 1-800-964-2777. You also can call that number if you need help finding a provider or if you have questions. You can learn more about the medical plans and services by going to a meeting in your area. To see a list of these meetings, go to www.txmedicaidevents.com.
- Your prescription drug benefit may be changing. If you get your Medicaid services through PCCM you are limited to 3 prescription drugs each month. On March 1, when you move from PCCM to STAR or STAR+PLUS that will change – you will no longer have a prescription limit. Since you’ll be able to get all your prescriptions through your STAR or STAR+PLUS medical plan, you will no longer be eligible to receive services from the Texas HIV Medication Program AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Your medical plan will have network pharmacies where you can get your prescriptions filled. Contact information for your medical plan will be on the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card and the member ID card that you will get from your medical plan. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you will continue to get your prescription benefit through Medicare.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Free Prevention With Positives Training for Clinicians
The Denver STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, together with DSHS, is offering a free prevention with positives skills-building training for clinicians in the HIV field titled "Ask, Screen, Intervene" on February 23rd from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Austin. Continuing education will be offered. A box lunch will be provided.
To learn more and to register, visit the Denver PTC website. Seating is limited.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition 2012 Conference
The Texas HIV/AIDS Coalition 2012 Conference is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2012 at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 1300 Lavaca Street in Austin. To learn more about this free conference and to register, visit the conference website.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Two New Online HIV Courses Provide Continuing Education
The Panhandle AIDS Support Organization (PASO) local performance site of the TX/OK AIDS Education & Training Center (TX/OK AETC) in collaboration with Health.edu is offering "HIV/AIDS Clinical Treatment Update." This training discusses diagnostic and antiretroviral therapy strategies for patients diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. This course targets nurses and offers CNEs. This course can be accessed at your convenience and completed at your pace.
To learn more and to register, visit the TX/OK AETC website.
Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and HealthmattersCME is offering "Together We Can: Improving HIV Testing, Treatment, and Adherence in Black and Hispanic Communities" audio slide show. This course provides information for health care providers who care for patients with HIV on the epidemiology of HIV in Black and Hispanic communities; the disparities in testing and access to care; ways to overcome barriers to testing and care in these communities; and ways to increase adherence. This online training can be accessed at any time and offers continuing education credits.
To learn more and to complete this activity, visit the course website.
Friday, January 6, 2012
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