HJAR Sep/Oct 2019

38 SEP / OCT 2019  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS DIALOGUE COLUMN DIRECTOR’S DESK There are over 6,000 people living with diagnosed HIV in Arkansas today. One in seven people who have HIV don’t know they have it, so the num- ber of people infected with the virus in Arkansas is likely much higher. HIV is a virus that weak- ens a person’s immune system by destroying the cells that fight diseases and infections. At one time, the diagnosis of HIV was considered a death sentence. Now, with the right care and treatment, as well as medication adherence, pa- tients who are HIV-positive can have a normal life expectancy. Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently visited Arkansas to discuss next steps in ending HIV. He shared the federal plan to reduce new infections in the United States by 75 percent in five years and 90 percent by 2030. Arkansas is among the seven southern states and 48 metropolitan counties nationwide highlighted as part of this plan. Even without a cure, there are steps that can be taken that could bring about an end to HIV in Arkansas; however, it will require the involvement of healthcare providers as important partners to make it a reality. There are four important ways healthcare providers can play a leadership role in helping to end HIV in Arkansas. The first thing providers can do is raise awareness about HIV. This includes educating patients about how to prevent transmission, and the importance of being tested for the virus. Healthcare providers, especially primary care physicians, should encourage and facilitate this testing. Right now, delayed testing and treatment is a problem in our state. There are people who wait for long periods before being tested for HIV. There are simple tests that can now detect HIV antibodies within two weeks of infection. An increase in education and testing would help identify new cases earlier. This would allow for earlier treatment and result in a better overall quality of life for patients. The second thing healthcare providers can do is help those who test positive for HIV connect to care and treatment. By enrolling in care quickly, patients can be prescribed HIV medications. Medication is key to both improving a person’s quality of life, and keeping the virus at an undetectable level. Undetectable viral load means that a patient has no risk of passing HIV to a partner through sex. For those who cannot afford treatment, there is assistance available through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Part B Program. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) administers this federally funded program. It is a system of care that provides primary medical care and support services for people with HIVwho are uninsured or underinsured. ForArkansans with insurance, their provider will be billed first, and if there are any costs remaining, the programwill then contribute to help cover the balance. There is no limit to the number of people who can be in the program. There are currently over 2,000 Arkansans enrolled. Addressing HIV in Arkansas