Overview Phoenix Area HIV and STD Programs FY '03 Overview The HIV Center of Excellence (HIVCOE) is a clinically based center for HIV prevention, care, medical treatment, and research. The program was initiated to address the escalating need for provision of comprehensive care and treatment of HIV/AIDS conditions of the user population. Goal The primary goal of the HIV Center of Excellence is to provide the highest quality of culturally competent HIV services for American Indians and Alaskan Natives including clinically based prevention, intervention, and medically appropriate HIV care and treatment. Research, Planning, and Activities A seroprevalence study utilizing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) RAP protocol to project HIV prevalence trends and future resource needs. An ongoing comprehensive HIV chart review and utilization study to specify and quantify resource needs. An ongoing qualitative and quantitative learning needs assessment of providers to obtain data required for development of a comprehensive training program enhancing quality of HIV care and treatment. IHS Area-wide participation in the CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) chlamydia control program for Azithromycin distribution and epidemiological monitoring. HIVCOE application for ongoing HIV grant assistance for the development of clinical care and treatment for HIV / AIDS. HIVCOE collaboration with the Arizona State Health Department, Division of HIV Services, to provide epidemiological monitoring for STD and HIV for the Phoenix Area. Program Accomplishments Initiated the first focus group meeting for patients on February 27, 2003 with subsequent establishment of support groups. Collaborated with California STD training program to have the STD Overview in Phoenix and available for PIMC healthcare providers. Training regarding HIV Testing and Counseling Certification to 45 healthcare providers in the Phoenix SU Area Training on Fundamentals of HIV/AIDS Preceptorships for AI/AN Healthcare Providers Integration of services for STD/HCV/HIV. Established specialized HIV case management services. Integrated HIV care and treatment services within the existing infrastructure of the Indian Health Service Phoenix Indian Medical Center. Collaborated with state, local, and tribal governments to refine the Phoenix Area IHS HIV surveillance system. Provided "state of the art" HIV and STD continuing education in the form of Technology Transfer Conferences on a semiannual basis in collaboration with the Office of AIDS Research. Provided continuing direct consultation and technical assistance to tribal, Phoenix area, and the IHS in all matters related to HIV / AIDS and STDs.