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Inmates
Like Fast, Bloodless Test for HIV Offered at Jails |
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Inmates in the Palm Beach
County Jail spend, on average, 10 days in the facility. Because conventional
HIV test results were usually returned in about two weeks, most inmates who
tested had been released before learning their serostatus. But about two
months ago, the jail began using OraSure rapid-result oral HIV tests; now,
inmates can get their results within an hour.
The screening program is a joint effort of the Sheriff's Office, the Palm
Beach County Health Department, and the jail's medical provider, Armor
Correctional Health Care. Funding is provided in part through a bill
sponsored by state Sen. Frederica Wilson (D-Miami). In other Florida jails,
rapid testing is helping prevent HIV transmission and increase serostatus
awareness, said Marlene LaLota, state Bureau of
HIV/AIDS
program administrator.
In Palm Beach County, about one percent of inmates tested were HIV-positive.
Since November, 500 inmates have had the rapid HIV test. That rate could
grow in response to programs to increase testing, said LaLota.
County commissioners have expressed an interest in making the testing
mandatory; however, Susan Dean, medical contract manager for the jail, said
inmates who have not been convicted have the right to refuse treating and
medical treatment. In addition, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said additional funding
would have to be found to comply with a requirement to test all 100,000
people who pass through the jail annually.
Testing at jails makes sense, said Wilson, since many at-risk inmates
arrested for sex work or drugs go to jail rather than in prison.
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Palm Beach Post
(02.02.07):: Antigone Barton |
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We are providing the above information as a public
service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay
media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases
does not constitute endorsement. The above summaries were prepared
without conducting any additional research or investigation into the
facts and statements made in the articles being summarized, and
therefore readers are expressly cautioned against relying on the
validity or invalidity of any statements made in these summaries. This
CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News
Update also includes information from CDC and
other government agencies, such as background on MMWR articles, fact
sheets and announcements. |
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