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According to data from the NYC Health Department, incarcerated populations in New York City have a significantly higher HIV prevalence rate than the general population, but many don't know their HIV status. Women incarcerated at Rikers Island have an HIV prevalence rate that is 14 times higher than the NYC female population. For the male population at Rikers Island the prevalence rate is 2.6 times higher than for the general NYC male population.
A pilot project is testing a new approach to more accurately identify cases of HIV in Rikers Island jails by offering HIV testing to inmates who refused HIV testing upon prison entry. Public health advisors are providing inmates with group educational sessions that provide information on HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis. Each inmate is seen individually in a confidential area by a staff member who offers HIV rapid testing and provides appropriate pre- and post-test counseling and other health education.
Identifying previously undiagnosed HIV positive individuals will allow for appropriate medical care in jail, continuity of care after inmates are discharged, and will help reduce the spread of HIV among individual's sexual and drug partners on release.
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