SD4 - Report of the Secretary of Human Resources on Senate Joint Resolution 90

  • Published: 1987
  • Author: Secretary of Human Resources
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 90 (Regular Session, 1986)

Executive Summary:
The incidence of actual AIDS cases has grown exponentially in Virginia in the past five years. In 1982 there were only six diagnosed cases in the Commonwealth. In the first ten months of 1986, there were 142. To assure the health and safety of the public, the 1986 Virginia General Assembly asked the Secretary of Human Resources and the Virginia Department of Health to study the adequacy of disease control measures currently employed to prevent the spread of AIDS, and to review the Department's methods of communicating information about AIDS and AIDS-related disease control measures to any state and local agencies which might require it. (see Attachment 1, Senate Joint Resolution 90).

In recognition of the need for a very thorough and comprehensive approach, the study sought the advice of medical professionals, state and local agencies which might be required to deal with individuals with AIDS, and fifteen other states which have developed AIDS-specific disease control measures in order to limit the transmission of the AIDS virus (human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III or HTLV-III). It sent surveys to randomly selected localities and institutions; conducted roundtable discussions with professionals and affected agencies; and individually interviewed health department officials in fifteen states.

The study found that:

1. The Centers for Disease Control recently ranked Virginia among the top ten states in the nation competing for funds for AIDS prevention and education activities.

2. The Commonwealth has developed eight AIDS-specific disease control policies addressing: HTLV-III testing for foodhandlers, HTLV-III screening at state correctional facilities, HTLV-III screening at mental health facilities, reporting of HTLV-III seropositivity by physicians and laboratory directors, day care center attendance, school attendance and notification of school authorities, premarital HTLV-III antibody testing, and quarantine and isolation.

3. Virginia has taken the lead in educating its citizens about AIDS. (The Department of Health has provided written information and seminars for medical professionals throughout the Commonwealth, widely distributed public service announcements to 25 television stations for consumption by the general public, funded educational efforts for groups at increased risk of exposure to the virus, and instituted a toll-free AIDS hotline for anyone who wants advice or information).

Although Virginia's AIDS prevention efforts fare well compared to other states, the study identified several changes in current practices and methods of communication which would benefit from revision.

These recommendations follow:

1. Clarify and formalize the roles of the AIDS Medical Advisory Committee and the Virginia Board of Health in developing and establishing state policies related to AIDS. The Advisory Committee should formally advise the Board of Health about the AIDS-related policies it considers most effective and appropriate. The Board of Health should officially establish any AIDS-related policy which the Commonwealth intends to practice.

2. Appoint an expert in the management of substance abuse to the AIDS Medical Advisory Committee to assist in the development of disease prevention activities for the drug using community.

3. Identify all agencies which might require AIDS information. Provide these agencies with pamphlets, audiovisual aids, and AIDS presentations using terminology which can easily be understood by non-medical professionals.

4. Identify up-to-date informational materials prepared by recognized professional organizations for dissemination to local and state agencies requiring AIDS information.

5. Review the list of agencies and individuals who currently receive the Virginia Epidemiology Bulletin and expand it as necessary to assure that all appropriate state and local agencies receive AIDS updates and materials regularly;

6. Update the mailing list for the Virginia Epidemiology Bulletin annually;

7. Officially notify all state and local agencies of the Department's availability to provide technical assistance in developing specific AIDS-related agency policies;

8. Require local health departments to convene and educate local groups of medical professionals, school officials, and community leaders about AIDS. This requirement could be included in each local health department's annual goals and objectives.

9. Use mental health and mental retardation community service boards as an additional resource to help disseminate information to local agencies, community groups and the general public;

10. Identify other public sources of health and safety information including local and private colleges and universities, and coordinate with them to disseminate AIDS information in their programs and publications;

11. Promote greater use of the AIDS hotline; and

12. Assure that local health department staff within state nursing, epidemiology, and community health services divisions are cognizant of mechanisms by which to report AIDS cases to the central state office.

This report sets forth the study findings by dividing them into two sections - disease control measures and methods of communicating those control measures to state and local agencies, health care providers, the general public and the individual at risk. Specific recommendations follow each section.