CDC Announces New HIV Incidence Estimates

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new estimates of HIV incidence for the United States.  These new estimates are based on direct measurement of new HIV infections and will provide the clearest picture to date of incidence (or the number of new HIV infections in a given year). To access the CDC estimates, click here

These more precise estimates are possible now only because of breakthrough technology developed by CDC that can distinguish recent from long-standing HIV infections.

New Disability Determination Criteria for Adults and Children with HIV

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released new Disability Determination Criteria for Adults and Children with HIV.  The changes were effective June 16, 2008.

For more information, click here

To go directly to the new Disability Determination Criteria for Adults and Children with HIV, click here

Moving Beyond the HIV "Care" and "Prevention" Silos: A Dialogue about Community Viral Load

The Ohio AIDS Coalition, in conjunction with several other community partners, is co-sponsoring a forum on Friday, September 5, 2008, 1-3PM at Case Western Reserve University Medical School entitled "Moving Beyond the HIV 'Care' and 'Prevention' Silos: A Dialogue about Community Viral Load."

For details, including confirmed panelists, free parking information, map/directions, etc., click here.

Nationally recognized HIV researcher Ronald Stall will be the keynote speaker, and David Bruckman will review the latest HIV/AIDS statistics for Greater Cleveland. Following brief comments by a panel of four community leaders representing various perspectives, The Plain Dealer columnist Phillip Morris will moderate a dialogue with attendees and panelists focused on how the community can work together to reduce our community’s HIV viral load, with the goal of decreasing new infections and improving the health of those living with HIV/AIDS.

Who Should Attend: Medical and social service providers involved in HIV/AIDS care, HIV prevention professionals, members of HIV care and prevention planning bodies, people living with HIV/AIDS, public health and social services administrators, funders, and community members.

This continuing education activity is approved for nursing continuing education credits by the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC). ANAC is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Virginia Nurses Association, which is accredited as an approver of continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Project ASPIRE: Use New and Fun Technologies to Improve Adherence to HIV Medications from the Comfort and Privacy of Your Own Home

For Men and Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Small Towns and Rural Areas

Living with HIV/AIDS can be challenging. Staying healthy while living with HIV/AIDS in a small town can be even harder.

If these statements pertain to you, we have a safe and confidential program that will help you take your HIV medications more consistently. Through Project ASPIRE, you may be eligible to participate in a program conducted exclusively over a videophone that helps you take all your HIV medications consistently. You will also be asked to complete several surveys during the project and perhaps participate in several sessions delivered through videophone technology. If you participate fully, you can earn up to $200.00.

If you are living with HIV/AIDS in a small town, please call 1-888-262-0017 or e-mail project.aspire@yahoo.com  for more information.

This project is offered by the Department of Geriatric Medicine in the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.