STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program (SHHP)

SWLAHEC’s STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program (SHHP) has been providing HIV prevention services since 1997.  These programs include HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis-C testing, prevention materials availability, and HIV and STD counseling, testing, and referral programs.

SWLAHEC employs a more holistic approach to providing this intervention through fixed site outreach supplemented by educational materials and services, with emphasis on HIV and STD prevention education and barrier method availability We also provide referrals to agencies that can assist the client address both the direct and indirect risk factors for HIV.

SWLAHEC’s outcomes for providing the outreach and recruitment program has been (1) continued progress in the development of on-going relationships with target area residents, (2) providing information and referrals that will promote healthy behaviors and decrease risk factors for the transmission of HIV and other STDs, (3) providing of referrals for HIV prevention, counseling, and testing, and (4) the on-going development of collaborations with HIV treatment facilities/agencies and other agencies in SWLAHEC’s referral network.

The prevention materials availability program maintains 50 sites across Calcasieu, Allen, Jeff Davis, and Acadia Parishes.  These sites include various venues where free prevention materials are available to the community. These programs are funded by Louisiana’s Office of Public Health.