Director's Update
September - October 2013
Dr. Jonathan Mermin
Director, NCHHSTP
I have greatly enjoyed my first month as Director of NCHHSTP and appreciate the opportunity to work with colleagues and partners across the Center’s Divisions and CDC and throughout the country.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with hepatitis colleagues at the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, and I look forward to the U.S. Conference on AIDS in September, the National Coalition of STD Directors annual meeting in November, as well as meetings with TB, school health, hepatitis, STD, and HIV colleagues during site visits, consultations, and conferences throughout the year.
We face continued challenges with budget restrictions and persistent epidemics, but we also have seen great creativity, dedication, and opportunity. I know firsthand that our work helps people live longer, healthier lives. I look forward to working with you to ensure continued progress and success.
CDC Awards Funds for Promoting Adolescent Health
Nearly half of the 19 million new cases of STDs reported each year are among youth aged 15–24 years. In 2010, youth aged 13–24 years accounted for 21% of all new HIV infections in the United States. The nation’s schools can play a critical role in addressing these epidemics.
CDC recently announced a 5-year funding award for Promoting Adolescent Health Through School-Based HIV/STD Prevention and School-Based Surveillance. Approximately $14 million will be awarded in FY 2013 to state, territorial, and local education and health agencies, as well as to national non-governmental organizations, to address surveillance, HIV/STD prevention for school-aged youth, capacity building, and HIV/STD prevention for young men who have sex with men.
This funding intends to build the capacity of schools and school districts to reduce HIV and STD infection among adolescents; reduce disparities in HIV and STD infection; and conduct school-based surveillance through the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and School Health Profiles implementation. For information on award recipients, visit CDC Healthy Youth.
New Health Insurance Marketplace
Beginning October 1, millions of Americans will have a new way to obtain affordable health coverage through the new Health Insurance Marketplace. Through the same streamlined application process, people can also find out if they are eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Community health centers and other organizations will be funded to help consumers with enrollment and insurance applications. This is a major transformation in health care in this country, and we are helping to ensure that you and the public know the details. More information is available at HealthCare.gov or the Spanish-language site CuidadoDeSalud.gov, or by calling the new, 24-hour consumer call center at 1-800-318-2596. Hearing impaired callers using TTY/TDD technology may call 1-855-889-4325 for assistance.
New from CDC
Basic Information on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
New Data from the SHPPS Survey
MMWR: Locations & Reasons for Hepatitis C Testing
Upcoming Events
September 8–11, 2013
U.S. Conference on AIDS
September 18, 2013
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
September 27, 2013
National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
October 2–6, 2013
Infectious Disease Week
October 15, 2013
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day