Make HIV, Hep C Screenings Part of Your Routine HealthcareRutland, VT –Routine checkups are about more than getting your blood pressure taken. "There is a lot of room for improvement, especially in HIV and Hepatitis C and cancer screenings," said Community Health Director of Population Health and Quality Bis Pradhan, MPH, MSW. "Our HIV screening rate is one of the lowest in the country." In all of Vermont, only 15% patients between the age of 15 (which also includes children) to 65 have been screened for HIV. "The national average is 50 or 60% for HIV screening," Pradhan said. "We are only at 15%. It's so low. The patient population research may not be that prevalent here, but again, it's about prevention." Why should these screenings be part of a regular checkup? "Screenings are benchmarks for individuals, families and communities. They are preventive - identifying potential illness, trends or problems in the future," Pradhan said. "It's important to help patients understand that when a provider recommends a screening, it's to keep our patients healthy." HIV and Hep C Are Preventable and Treatable HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Most people who get HIV get it through unprotected sex, or by sharing drug injection equipment like needles or syringes with someone who has the virus. There are many ways to prevent HIV, like using PrEP, PEP, condoms and never sharing needles. HIV treatment helps people live long, healthy lives and prevents HIV transmission in the community. Hepatitis C is a viral infection spread through contact with infected blood. This can happen through unsafe injections, unscreened blood transfusions, sharing of needles and syringes among people who inject drugs or sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood. Left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to serious liver problems. Treatment that cures hepatitis C is available, and early treatment can prevent serious complications like liver scarring, liver cancer and death. Not sure if you need HIV or Hep C tests? All adults should be screened, at least once. HIV and Hep C are preventable and treatable, so take the first step and get screened. There's freedom in knowing. Everyone between the ages of 15 and 65 should get tested for HIV at least once. Screening for Hep C is recommended for adults ages 18-79. "There's nothing wrong with getting screened," Pradhan said. "HIV and Hep C tests are part of adult care. It's quick. It's confidential. All you have to do is ask." In places where sexually transmitted illnesses (STI) are prevalent, providers recommend doing HIV screening once every year for anyone above 18, whether you are in the risk category or not. The screening is recommended once a year for the peace of mind. HIV and Hep C testing is easy. Your provider can do a single finger prick. If you are unsure, ask your provider about recommended screenings and how often you should be tested. Screenings are preventive and make early treatments and cures accessible About Community Health
Community Health is Vermont's largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), providing primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental, eye care, and pharmacy services across multiple locations, including Brandon, Castleton, Rutland, Shoreham, and West Pawlet. Express Care centers, open seven days a week, are located in Rutland and Castleton.
Learn more about services, locations, hours, and career opportunities at CHCRR.org or contact Patient Access at 802-779-9169. |
