Multnomah County and the Oregon Health Authority are responding to a worrying increase in HIV infections among people who use methamphetamine or inject any drugs. HIV risk groups overlap with those for other infections like syphilis, Shigella and Hepatitis A.
Public health is asking emergency departments and health clinics to encourage testing for HIV and syphilis and to offer patients a vaccine for hepatitis A.
Public Health is asking addiction treatment providers, homeless service providers and corrections agencies to provide educational handouts to clients and offer coupons for free HIV testing. Officials can also offer suggestions for simple ways to talk with clients about HIV and other STDs.
Public Health asks community partners to:
- Encourage clients who have used methamphetamine or injected other drugs to get tested for HIV and syphilis, and to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A.
- Refer clients to low-cost, low-barrier test sites.
- Refer clients to syringe exchange for sterile injection supplies.
- Refer clients to the STD clinic for HIV prevention medication
- Offer clients free condoms. Multnomah County can provide condoms to your organization if needed. Just call 503-988-3030.
Find a current list of clinics providing HIV testing and syringe exchange sites.
