Apply: ED Syphilis/HIV/HCV Screening Program

Emergency Departments are uniquely positioned to identify people with undiagnosed syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis C virus infections.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is partnering with the Public Health Institute’s (PHI) Bridge program to expand routine opt-out testing for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) through the Emergency Department Syphilis/HIV/HCV Screening Program (EDSP).

Through this program, PHI/Bridge and CDPH aim to increase public health equity and provide immediate care for people at highest risk for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and HCV. EDs are uniquely positioned to identify and treat those who might otherwise remain undiagnosed and reduce care barriers. ED opt-out screening helps control these growing epidemics statewide.

Hospitals funded under EDSP will receive a base amount of $375,000 over 2.5 years (and may qualify for supplemental navigator funding) to establish or grow ED opt-out syphilis/HIV/HCV testing programs. Participating hospitals will be supported to expand capacity to provide patient education, begin treatment, and utilize navigators to link patients to follow-up care.

This includes a person-centered syndemic approach based on values of human dignity, intersectional and trauma-informed racial and social justice, and harm reduction in the promotion of health equity.

Applications due September 7, 2023, 11:59 PM PST

Originally published by Bridge