Bay Area officials optimistic about nation's first HIV/AIDS plan
source: http://www.mercurynews.com/health/ci_15508323?nclick_check=1
The federal government released the first-ever national strategy Tuesday to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic just as states and counties are shouldering deep cuts in HIV/AIDS prevention and drug programs.
The strategy focuses on reducing new HIV cases, increasing access to care and breaking down the stigma that persists among high-risk groups 30 years into the epidemic. Ultimately, the goal is to coordinate federal and state funds and spend them where they are most needed.
That comes at a crucial time for counties like Santa Clara, which saw its state funding for HIV prevention and care services drop last year by $1.2 million.
"I think "... this type of the strategy coming out of the presidential level gives new focus to an issue that has been really off the front pages," said Marty Fenstersheib, public health officer for Santa Clara County.
In 2008, nearly 2,700 people had HIV/AIDS in Santa Clara County — a 24 percent increase from 2006; 148 of the cases were new.
The strategy focuses on reducing new HIV cases, increasing access to care and breaking down the stigma that persists among high-risk groups 30 years into the epidemic. Ultimately, the goal is to coordinate federal and state funds and spend them where they are most needed.
That comes at a crucial time for counties like Santa Clara, which saw its state funding for HIV prevention and care services drop last year by $1.2 million.
"I think "... this type of the strategy coming out of the presidential level gives new focus to an issue that has been really off the front pages," said Marty Fenstersheib, public health officer for Santa Clara County.
In 2008, nearly 2,700 people had HIV/AIDS in Santa Clara County — a 24 percent increase from 2006; 148 of the cases were new.
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- groups:
- Community, Left Coast
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- tags:
- AIDS, HIV, Prevention, Epidemic
