HIV Unit

Welcome

In September 1985, the Board of the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) focused attention on the spread of AIDS in Georgia and created the Georgia Task Force on AIDS to recommend strategies needed to combat the disease. Within the next year, the DHR Division of Public Health (DPH) initiated efforts to educate high-risk persons as well as professional and community groups about AIDS. A limited number of HIV antibody test sites had been established in April, 1985. By 1987, every County Public Health Department offered HIV antibody testing. Georgia began receiving federal HIV prevention funding for the 1986-1987 fiscal year, and the DPH HIV Unit was established in February, 1987. Georgia has received federal funding for HIV care services since 1991.

Mission

The Mission of the HIV Unit is to reduce HIV transmission and provide excellence in Georgia's HIV/AIDS services through innovation and community partnership. The HIV Unit is dedicated to the provision of education, information, and health care services that promote and protect the health of all Georgians.

HIV Unit Programs

To achieve our mission of reducing HIV transmission as well as helping Georgians already infected live longer and healthier lives, the HIV Unit coordinates services through our HIV Care (Ryan White Part B) Program and the HIV Prevention Program.

The HIV Prevention Program coordinates the Statewide HIV Prevention Community Planning Group, develops and implements the Comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan, coordinates the HIV testing program and data reporting for the state, and provides capacity building and training for community partners and public health staff. The HIV Prevention Program also provides funding to community based organizations and health districts covering all 18 health districts in Georgia.

The HIV Care (Ryan White Part B) Program funds essential medical and supportive services for persons with HIV disease or AIDS, and manages the Georgia AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and Health Insurance Continuation Program (HICP). The HIV Care Program provides funding for essential medical and supportive services to 16 health districts and several agencies in Georgia, educates the public and health care professionals about HIV and AIDS, and monitors the quality of medical care and case management services.

Most services are delivered through third parties, including local health departments, community or hospital-based health care facilities, community based organizations and other non-governmental organizations in every part of the state. In addition, the HIV Unit conducts program evaluation, health services research, and analysis and surveillance of the epidemic within the state of Georgia.