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HIV Disease in Correctional Facilities

NCJ Number
159108
Date Published
1991
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings and recommendations from a study of the prevalence and management of HIV disease in U.S. correctional facilities.
Abstract
In August 1990, the National Commission on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) conducted a site visit and hearing to identify and understand the issues that face the Nation and its Federal, State, and local correctional facilities in their management of detainees and inmates with HIV infection. This report reflects the testimony of numerous experts, health care professionals, inmates' rights advocates, educators, correctional personnel, former inmates, and inmates living with HIV infection. The study found that inmates with HIV infection are rapidly acquiring tuberculosis, and many more are at increased risk from the resurgent tuberculosis epidemic in the Nation's prisons. Inmates with HIV disease are often subject to automatic segregation from the rest of the prison community, despite the fact that there is no public health basis for this practice. Lack of education of both inmates and staff creates fear and discrimination toward individuals with HIV infection and unjust policies directed toward inmates living with HIV infection. Despite high rates of HIV infection and an ideal opportunity for prevention and education efforts, former inmates are re-entering their communities with little or no added knowledge about HIV disease and how to prevent it. Recommendations focus on problems in three major areas: health care, human rights, and education. The Commission recommends that the U.S. Public Health Service develop guidelines for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection in all Federal, State, and local correctional facilities. Other recommendations pertain to research information, Federal policies on prisoners' access to clinical trials and the investigation of new drugs, drug treatment, education and prevention programs, and standards of care. 38 references

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