Respond quickly to HIV outbreaks
Linking Partners to Care
(Partner Services)
All people newly diagnosed with HIV should receive a call from the public health department to help them engage in HIV care and ensure that any sex or needle sharing partner is tested for HIV and linked to PrEP to prevent forward transmission.
Cluster Detection and Response (CDR)
Identifies communities affected by rapid HIV transmission. CDR helps public health agencies to identify where to target resources to ensure HIV
prevention and treatment services are provided to people who need them.
Respond Pillar Strategies
Increase Capacity of Partner Services Initiative
- Identify partners and inform them of potential exposure in order to link them to HIV/STD testing, treatment, and other appropriate services and resources.
Enhance Cluster Detection and Response
- Use molecular HIV surveillance to identify rapidly growing HIV transmission clusters and prioritize individuals most in need of critical services, including linkage to or reengagement in care.
- Implement innovative approaches when responding to high priority clusters, such as SocialNetwork Strategy (SNS) Testing Programs.
- Combine information on clusters with community input to deepen our understanding of HIV transmission within networks and in the broader community.
Educate community on Respond Pillar efforts
- Identify culturally responsive strategies and best practices related to cluster detection and response through the Statewide Community Advisory Board (CAB).
- Conduct trainings, webinars, and community discussions on the use of cluster detection and response to address the HIV epidemic.
- Develop health education materials designed to educate the community and providers on how cluster detection is used.
What You Can Do
Learn more about Partner Services.
If you are a provider and notice a sudden spike in new diagnoses higher than usual for your area, send an email to EHEinitiative@ph.lacounty.gov. DHSP will do an in-depth assessment to determine if there is a transmission cluster of concern and will notify the site about next steps.