A Continuum of Care Model for HIV in Correctional Settings

Abstract

The rates of HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) in prisons in the United States exceed those among the general population. Prisoners represent some of the highest risk groups for HIV and HCV, notably injection drug users, sex workers, and substance addicted persons. The high risk for disease transmission among prison inmates prior to their incarceration, as well as the relative ease in accessing these populations, underscores the importance of implementing HIV/HCV prevention/ intervention services in incarcerated settings. An HIV/HCV Continuum of Care that includes testing, linkage to care for those who test positive, and prevention efforts prior to inmate release, provides a useful model. This chapter presents an overview of this model, as well as an example of a research project focused on one of its