by Dr. Sienko
Viewpoint
In the recent past, Between The Lines has published nearly weekly reports on HIV/AIDS prevention activities at the Ingham County Health Department. Much of the reporting has been critical of ICHD practices and policy. I wish to present an alternative point of view.
The first article, reportedly from "sources" in the ICHD, stated there was an "unusual increase" in HIV infections among Ingham County residents. The number of HIV infection reports for the past few years are as follows: 18 (2002), 19 (2003), 50 (2004), 35 (2005), 31 (2006) and 22 (year-to-date, 2007). I do not interpret these numbers, particularly the most recent ones, as an "unusual increase."
Subsequent issues of BTL raised concerns about ICHD HIV post-test counseling practices. Specifically, BTL expressed concern about language that was presented to people who test positive for HIV and a form, previously called a contract, that our counselors asked people to sign.
Within days of having this concern brought to our attention, ICHD staff worked with our attorneys, the Lansing Area AIDS Network (LAAN) and staff from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) to modify our practices. As a result we no longer ask people to sign a form, rather our counselors sign a statement acknowledging that the ICHD has completed its legal responsibility to inform HIV infected people of their obligations under Michigan law.
The ICHD encourages HIV testing for any members of our community who might be at risk. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 25 percent of those infected with HIV are unaware they carry the virus. Testing and subsequent counseling are important to their personal health and are helpful in designing strategies that will prevent transmission to others.
The ICHD is also committed to and takes multiple measures to ensure the confidentiality of those known to be infected with HIV. The most recent accreditation review by the Michigan Department of Community Health commended the ICHD for devoting "serious attention to protecting HIV clients' medical records and confidentiality."
On Oct. 1, the ICHD opened a new infectious disease clinic that will continue to provide much needed services for people infected with HIV from not only Ingham County but much of mid-Michigan. This initiative has come to fruition because of hard work and collaboration among ICHD staff, Dr. Peter Gulick and his staff, officials at Michigan State University, LAAN, MDCH and other area partners. Absent this collective effort, this critical clinical service might have become unavailable for hundreds of area residents.
The people of Ingham County, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, and the Ingham County Health Department have a long history of support to people who are infected with HIV. We want to continue and advance the positive relations we have with members of our community to protect the public health and improve the quality of life for those infected with HIV and their loved ones.
Editor's note: These stories appeared in BTL on this topic, all by Todd Heywood; "Unusual increase of new HIV infections in Ingham County noted" (Issue 15.33 – Aug. 16), "HIV contract 'unnecessary' says State Health official" (Issue 15.34 – Aug. 23), "HIV document not only concerns with Ingham County Health Department" (Issue 15.35 – Aug. 30), "Ingham County Health Department changes HIV document" (Issue 15.35 – Aug. 30), "Controversial HIV 'contract' topic of Ingham Commissioners meeting" (Issue 15.37 – Sept. 13), "Ingham County changes HIV post-test counseling procedures, Marks second time in a month" (Issue 15.38 – Sept. 20).
