Author: webmaster

Federal Update (Information supplied by Regional Resource Network Program/US Dept of Health and Human Services) According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), “the evidence is adequate to conclude that screening for Hepatitis C Virus, consistent with the grade B recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, is reasonable and necessary for the prevention or early detection of an illness or disability and is appropriate for individuals entitled to benefits under Part A or enrolled under Part B,” as described here.   

CDC Fact Sheet (Information supplied by Regional Resource Network Program/US Dept of Health and Human Services) HIV coinfection more than triples the risk for liver disease, liver failure, and liver-related death from HCV. Click here to read the fact sheet.

CDC Fact Sheet (Information supplied by Regional Resource Network Program/US Dept of Health and Human Services) The risk of getting HIV varies widely depending on the type of exposure. Some exposures, such as exposure to HIV during a blood transfusion, carry a much higher risk of transmission than other exposures, such as oral sex. For some exposures, risk of transmission, while biologically plausible, is so low that it is not possible to provide a precise number.  Click here to read the fact sheet.

Archived Webinar (Information supplied by Regional Resource Network Program/US Dept of Health and Human Services) On March 10, 2014, the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) led the “Ongoing Care and Treatment: Women with HIV/AIDS” webinar. During the webinar, speakers representing OWH and federal and national partners talked about the work they are doing to address HIV/AIDS and the importance of HIV/AIDS care and treatment for women and girls. Click here to watch the webinar.

Toolkit (Information supplied by Regional Resource Network Program/US Dept of Health and Human Services) The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) and the National Coalition of STD Directors are launching “Addressing Stigma: A Blueprint for HIV/STD Prevention and Care Outcomes for Black and Latino Gay Men.” The blueprint contains 17 recommendations for reducing public health stigma that prevents Black and Latino gay men and other men who have sex with men from receiving optimal health care.  Click here for more information.

Announcing our 15th Annual New Hope and Lambertville AIDS WALK!  A benchmark for FACT Bucks County servicing the financial needs of people living with HIV-AIDS for over 22 years.  Our WALKS have raised over $1,000,000 in the last 14 years.  This, with our quarterly BINGO and other annual events, allow FACT to assist people living with HIV~AIDS and grant educational and prevention funds in our service areas of  Bucks, Hunterdon and Mercer Counties.  Join us on Sunday, September 21st  and help us help others…click on the AIDS WALK video link below to view our  new promotional video “starring” many of you who participated in the 2013 AIDS WALK Video …

New Hope’s premier Supper Club & Caberet, The RRAZZ ROOM, located at the Ramada of New Hope, chooses a local non-profit to receive funds collected during performances at the holidays for their “Season of Giving”  program.  This year, they chose FACT Bucks County as the recipient of over $700.00 in donations.  A BIG FACT Thank You to Robert and Rory of The RRAZZ ROOM!.   For upcoming performances and tickets, go to www.TheRRAZZRoom.com

Federal Guidelines On May 14, 2014, the US Public Health Service released the first comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for PrEP.  The guidelines were developed by a federal inter-agency working group led by CDC, and reflect input from providers, HIV patients, partners, and affected communities. The new guidelines: Provide clear criteria for determining a person’s HIV risk and indications for PrEP use. Require that patients receive HIV testing to confirm negative status before starting PrEP. Underscore importance of counseling about adherence and HIV risk reduction, including encouraging condom use for additional protection. Recommend regular monitoring of HIV infection status, side effects, adherence, …