INTERIOR HEALTH STOP HIV

Seek & Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS

Three (3) Core STOP HIV Activities

Testing

This includes routine HIV testing in acute care (emergency room or admission to inpatient units); community testing in Interior Health community health clinics and private physician offices; education of Interior Health staff and physician partners; a public awareness campaign; and laboratory support as required.

Engagement

Across the region, engaging newly diagnosed and those who have been living with HIV into better care, if required; collaboration with local doctors and nurse practitioners; collaboration with local community agencies.

Treatment

Building of doctor/nurse practitioner capacity to support HIV clinical care closer to home, and development of a health outreach nursing team to enhance available care.

STOP HIV Clinical Resources

The STOP HIV program has worked hard to build capacity for HIV testing, treatment and care across the Interior Health region. Care providers with enhanced HIV knowledge and education are now available across the region to provide support to HIV positive persons, and healthcare providers in all communities in the Interior Health region. Supports include:

Clinical HUBs

A clinical team in each HUB community is (or will be) available and, at a minimum includes one or more HIV doctors and nurse practitioners and a health outreach nurse. Other members may be added as required (e.g. pharmacist, social worker, etc.) This HUB team will provide outreach to regional communities as appropriate and as capacity allows.

Health Outreach Team

A team made up of health outreach nurses who are based throughout the Interior Health region. These nurses provide outreach and in-reach to newly diagnosed and existing HIV positive clients, community engagement and education related to HIV testing and treatment.

Medical Team

A group of medical providers (physicians and nurse practitioners) who have enhanced HIV training. This team provides clinical expertise to the STOP HIV program and direct care to patients who

STOP HIV Clinical Hubs

There are clinical HUBs in 6 larger Interior Health communities (Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Nelson and Cranbrook), each of which provides regional outreach to smaller communities.