PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

HIV/AIDS Program

• HIV Testing & Counseling
  Testing is offered in our Public Health Clinic, in the HIV/AIDS Program office (room 372), and at the Spokane County jail and juvenile detention (contracted service). We use the Rapid Oral HIV testing method with results for most people in 20 minutes. Counseling is provided before and after the test. If test results are negative, clients are educated about ways to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. If the test results are positive, clients are referred to case management and partner notification services.

• Education
  Brochures and materials about HIV/AIDS are available to the community. We provide education for schools, drug and alcohol treatment centers, professional audiences, and others interested in the facts about the disease, treatment, and available resources.

• Partner Notification
  People diagnosed with HIV are legally required to notify their sex partners, spouses or needle-sharing partners of their potential exposure to the disease. The HIV/AIDS Program provides this notification with a high level of discretion to all individuals who test positive at the Health District and to others who request the service.

• Case Management
  Case managers provide services to individuals infected with HIV/AIDS, regardless of income. Clients are assisted with referrals to health care specialists, support groups, and help finding medical insurance and housing.
  
  Counseling for individuals and groups of chemically-dependent adults with HIV/AIDS is provided by New Horizons Treatment Center within the HIV/AIDS Program office. For more information call 323-2842.
  

Outreach services are provided by public health professionals through two locations:

• Outreach Center – 1101 W. College Avenue, Room 155 (please use southwest entrance). Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3-5 p.m. and on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m.
  
• Mobile Van – travels and parks in areas of Spokane frequented by individuals at highest risk for contracting HIV.
  

Outreach services include:

• Needle exchange – free one for one exchange of used needles for clean needles is offered to injection drug users. Since the program's launch in 1991, thousands of needles have been exchanged each year in Spokane County as part of our efforts to prevent the spread of HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
  
• Condom distribution – thousands of free condoms are distributed each year throughout Spokane County.
  
• Other HIV prevention supplies – bleach kits, lubricant, alcohol pads and cotton swabs.
  
• Referral and education – public health professionals are continuously educating clients about HIV/AIDS and frequently make referrals to other community services including drug treatment programs, housing resources, support groups and services providing meals for the homeless or near homeless.