In 2022, California became the first state to require healthcare plans to cover the costs of home test kits for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) including HIV. Home test kits are provided through a prescription or a standing order from a healthcare provider. However, a shortage of healthcare providers in California counties with a large population […]
On November 10, 2021, the California HIV/AIDS Policy Research Centers (CHPRC) and the statewide End the Epidemics coalition (ETE) convened a community meeting to discuss these challenges and to identify policy and research priorities for improving HIV, viral hepatitis, STI, and harm reduction services. The event brought together over a hundred advocates, researchers, public health […]
The population of people living with HIV is getting older. By the end of 2022, an estimated 70% of people living with HIV will be aged 50 years and older. With age and the cumulative effects of HIV, this population experiences exacerbated age-related health vulnerabilities and comorbid conditions.
On June 4, 2021, the Southern California HIV/AIDS Policy Research Center (SCHPRC) hosted a launchmeeting for San Diego County, organized on the heels of a regional listening session led by the NIHOffice of AIDS Research. During this launch event, we were able to focus on policy research needs in San Diego County and to engage […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in California’s efforts to expand and improve services for HIV, hepatitis C, sexually transmitted diseases, and harm reduction. On November 18, 2020, the California HIV/AIDS Policy Research Centers and the End the Epidemics coalition convened a community meeting to discuss these challenges and to identify priorities for […]
In the second of a two-part series, we explore the impact of the opioid epidemic on HIV and other health conditions in California and Nevada. Downstream consequences of the U.S. opioid epidemic, including the many lives left in its wake, are a reminder that efforts to combat infectious disease must begin with the search for […]
Prior authorization requirements have been considered a successful cost containment strategy for health insurance companies. However, previous research indicates that such requirements have negative impacts on medication access and patient adherence. California Senate Bill 159 is a current proposal to prohibit health plans and insurers from requiring prior authorization and step therapy requirements for Pre-exposure […]
Increasing access to HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) is a high priority to achieve the goals of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. Broadening the scope of practice to allow pharmacists to be more involved in the delivery of PrEP/PEP may generate greater access, particularly in communities where physicians and other primary care providers […]
After years of decline, sexually transmitted infections are increasing at alarming rates. The national rate of reported primary and secondary syphilis was over four times greater in 2016 than it had been in 2000. Syphilis cases increased by 18% between 2015 and 2016 alone. Much of this growth is attributable to cases among men who […]
