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HIV/HCV Infection Control and Surveillance Services
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is committed to preventing the spread
of HIV, AIDS
and Hepatitis C in our community. It is for this reason that
it established the HIV/HCV Infection Control and Surveillance Services, a program
that exists to protect the health of county residents from these infectious diseases.
HIV/HCV Infection Control and Surveillance Services is one of the largest providers
of HIV counseling, testing and referral services in the State of Arizona. We are
the sole provider of HIV partner services and HIV surveillance in Maricopa County.
We also sponsor and participate in a variety of HIV and Hepatitis C prevention outreach and education events and
activities to alert high risk populations to behavior changes they can make to reduce
their risk of infection.
HIV Counseling, Testing and Referral Services
HIV/HCV Infection Control and Surveillance Services provides confidential and anonymous
counseling and testing for the presence of HIV antibodies, proteins that are produced
in the body to fight infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV antibodies
are only present in a person who has already been infected by HIV. This is why testing
for HIV antibodies is such an effective test for HIV.
HIV is the virus that can cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) if left
undetected and untreated. HIV testing is offered on a walk-in basis and is performed
regularly in various locations (English) (Espanol) in and around the Phoenix metro area.
Please note: The HIV Testing program does not provide written proof of negative
test results. Any individual seeking proof of negative status for medical clearance
should get tested by a medical provider.
HIV Partner Services
In addition to counseling and testing, Maricopa County Department of Public Health
also provides partner services. It is estimated that nearly 950,000 persons living
with HIV in the United States of America are unaware that they have been infected
with HIV. Partner services identifies potentially exposed persons by interviewing
people diagnosed with HIV and obtaining information about needle-sharing and sex
partners. This allows persons who may have been exposed to receive information about
testing options and prevention of HIV transmission. Partner Services are available
to any HIV positive person who wishes to anonymously refer partners for testing
services. In addition to testing and counseling for HIV, we also provide screening
tests to specific populations for syphilis and Hepatitis C.
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