The Future Of AIDS Prevention in Connecticut
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Spread of HIV/AIDS Among Intravenous Drug Users (IDU) |
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According to the Connecticut Department of Health, intravenous drug users (IDU) comprise 42.1% of all AIDS cases in Fairfield County (3). Although such a statistic would be a problem on its own, the situation has been exacerbated by the total lack of effective prevention plans targeting this population. As the Connecticut Comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan for 2005-2006 points out, there exist unique gaps in service, including a lack of needle exchange programs and adequate transportation (2). Indeed, only 2 providers throughout the state of Connecticut reported conducting Syringe Exchange Programs and an entire 12% of service providers polled listed transportation as an emerging need (2). It is only reasonable and responsible, therefore, for the Public Health Department of Fairfield County to establish a Needle Exchange (or Syringe Exchange) Program that operates from a mobile van.
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Table 2
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