Nebraska High-Impact HIV Prevention and Surveillance Programs - The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) aligns with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States, focusing on new strategies to prevent HIV infections, improve treatment outcomes, and address healthcare disparities. Despite progress, efforts to ensure equitable benefits distribution require a high-impact approach. NDHHS will coordinate a comprehensive HIV prevention and surveillance program, emphasizing person-centered approaches to prevent new infections and enhance health outcomes for those living with HIV. Repealing the requirement for separate written consent for HIV testing in 2018 paved the way for improved testing accessibility. NDHHS aims to enhance provider knowledge and streamline testing processes through targeted educational initiatives. Collaborative efforts aim to unify HIV, STI, and hepatitis C testing across diverse healthcare settings, focusing on key populations. Integrated screening programs will not only test for infections but also assess the need for essential support services, such as PrEP navigation and substance use treatment referrals. Expanding on successful initiatives like self-testing programs, NDHHS plans to distribute self-test kits widely, including at community events. Uniform rapid linkage to care protocols will ensure timely access to medical care post-diagnosis, with the aim of reducing barriers to care and improving viral load suppression rates. Collaborations with community partners will support the creation and distribution of educational materials, enhancing testing opportunities and promoting awareness through social media and dating platforms. Efforts to expand HIV testing in locations where substance use treatment services are accessed are underway, as well as increased engagement with substance use and mental health professionals and people with lived experience. NDHHS will conduct HIV surveillance activities as described in the Technical Guidance for HIV Surveillance Programs to ensure accurate, timely, complete, and actionable data. While Nebraska experiences low HIV incidence, a robust response system is in place to address outbreaks or clusters if they occur. Community engagement and partnerships remain vital, not only for program efforts, but for monitoring and evaluation as well. Increased collaboration among strategic community partners to expand testing and linkage to care is a priority. This comprehensive approach aims to improve HIV outcomes and reduce disparities across Nebraska.
