Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to:
1. Describe benefits of an integrated immunization, hepatitis, HIV and STD project in a rural state.
2. Identify challenges to providing integrated services and strategies to overcoming these challenges.
3. Develop an action plan to begin or enhance integration activities in your agency.



Background:
Through a collaborative partnership, the Immunization, Hepatitis, HIV and STD programs of the Iowa Department of Public Health initiated an integration project providing funds and hepatitis A & B vaccine to local public health agencies offering HIV/STD counseling, testing and referral services. With no federal funding devoted to adult immunization activities, state health departments are challenged with providing this important service. Utilizing federal 317 funds, the Immunization Program provides grants to 6 agencies to target hepatitis prevention services, including vaccination, to adults at risk. Agencies screen all clients for hepatitis risk, vaccinate susceptible patients, conduct reminder/recall activities, and enter vaccination information into the state's immunization registry. In addition to the vaccination services, at-risk clients are counseled and tested for hepatitis C virus, HIV and other STDs. Providing comprehensive services to Iowan's at risk has not only benefited the clients and their communities, but has strengthened the relationships between programs within the Department.


Setting:
Local agencies offering HIV/STD counseling, testing and referral.


Population:
Hepatitis C positive individuals, injection drug users (IDU), men who have sex with men (MSM), and clients with a current STD diagnosis.


Project Description:
Through grants to local public health agencies, adults at risk of hepatitis A & B infection are offered comprehensive services including vaccination, and hepatitis C, HIV and other STD testing.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Continued communication and collaboration between immunization, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STD programs is imperative to comprehensively serve adults at risk of hepatitis A and B infection. Feedback from local providers and consumers will be discussed.