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January 2005

Challenges

• Of the community-based organizations that receive grants from CDC, 60% plan to offer rapid HIV testing but have little or no training.
• Rapid HIV test training by manufacturers does not meet CDC’s training requirements.
• Standards for training differ among states.
• CDC had to work quickly to develop and deliver the initial phase of training sessions.
• Need for updated training is constant because rapid testing technology continues to change.
• HIV prevention program managers need specific training and technical assistance in how to implement rapid HIV testing.
• Demand for CDC training has exceeded the number of available slots.
• To satisfy the demand, there is a need to package the curriculum so that it can be distributed.
• To extend the reach of the training, there is a need for a train-the-trainer program to help HIV prevention program managers with training and technical assistance in implementing rapid HIV testing programs.

Accomplishments

• Conducted 40 training sessions on rapid HIV testing during 2003 and 2004. More than 850 health care workers enrolled in the 3-day sessions.
• Collaborated with CDC Public Health Practice Program Office to develop and deliver rapid HIV test training.
• Trained AHP demonstration project staff to conduct rapid HIV testing.
• Collaborated with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support its large-scale rapid test training project. Support included
  • sharing the rapid HIV test curriculum with SAMHSA
  • training 22 counseling trainers in specific units of the curriculum
  • advising SAMHSA on the procurement of rapid test kits, site selection, logistics, implementation, monitoring and evaluation
  • providing rapid HIV test training and technical assistance to SAMHSA demonstration project grantees in methadone treatment centers.