Adult Directory 2013

XIII. HIV/AIDS
Newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in the District of Columbia decreased 48% from 2007
to 2011, down 17% from 2005 to 2007 5 . DC Blacks account for the majority of persons
living with HIV in the District. At the end of 2011, 3.7% of Black DC residents are living
with HIV, compared to 1.1% White DC residents. HIV infection rate among women is
disproportionately higher than that of men. Heterosexual contact is the leading mode of
transmission for women. District Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 consistently have the highest
numbers of residents diagnosed with HIV and AIDS 6 .
Persons entering and existing the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) system are
offered testing for HIV and other diseases. If an inmate chooses to be tested for HIV the
test will be conducted under the confidential testing guidelines. DOC reports that 3.7%
of the inmates tested at DC Jail and CTF are infected with HIV. 1% of those tested when
they enter the DOC system learn for the first time that they are infected with HIV. 7
Voluntary HIV/AIDS counseling, treatment, medication and post-release case
management is available to inmates at DC Jail and CTF.
The presence of HIV and/or AIDS in the body is detected by testing the antibodies in the
immune system. The District has several free HIV testing sites located throughout the
city (see table below of locations of free testing sites). Blood, urine, or oral fluid samples
are needed. On the spot “Rapid” results are available in 20 minutes at most testing sites.
Tests are provided either confidentially or anonymously. Confidential test results are
given to the testee verbally. Anonymous tests require the testee to provide a code (2
letters and 7 numbers) by which to identify them self. If the testee tests positive for HIV
he must provide personal information before receiving the results. Positive testees are
directed to consult with a physician. Positive test results are reported to the local health
department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
The rate of HIV infection in the body is measured by the number of CD4 or T-cells. HIV
infection attacks and weakens the body’s white blood cells. Healthy, non-infected adults
have a CD4 count of at least 800. The more active the HIV infection the lower the T-cell
count. CD4 measurements for HIV infected persons range between 650 and 150. Doctors
recommend that persons who have CD4 test of 200 or below receive treatment.
Treatment for HIV infected persons is most commonly administered in the form of oral
medication. These medications, called antiretroviral therapy, are available through local
medical clinics and hospitals. The DC AIDS Drug Assistance Program (DC ADAP)
provides HIV and other related medications for people unable to afford them. To apply
for DC ADAP the individual or his representative must complete the four page DC DOH
“Application for Health Services” form, which must be signed by a physician or the
applicant’s case manager certifying that the applicant is HIV positive. The application
can be obtained online at www.doh.dc.gov or at any neighborhood health clinic or
hospital. Medication is available immediately upon approval.
5 2012 District of Columbia HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Epidemiology Annual Report
6 id.
7 Dr. Nadir Marzban Medical Director, DCDC Health Services Administrator 2010
204
Adult Resource Directory: 2013
Community & Confinement Access Guide