Evidence shows that antiretroviral therapy (ART) use contributes to reduction in HIV transmission and helps HIV positive indiviuals live longer healthier lives. Thus, increasing the number of newly HIV positive people linked to care is a state and national goal. Since this linkage has been measured as part of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, DPH has been working with its partners and continues to make positive progress in linkage to care

These data are current as of January 2022. 2021 data are expected early in 2023. Note: data for 2020 should be interpreted with caution due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on access to HIV testing & care related services. 

Community network of public and private providers; Ryan White agencies; Department of Corrections; Community health centers and hospitals; Federal and state funded HIV/AIDS organizations; Community service agencies that address specific populations of at-risk individuals.

Treatment as prevention strategy was proven in 2011 with the publication of findings from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052 study. This study validated early HIV treatment showing that the risk of transmitting HIV to an uninfected partner was reduced by 96%.

State funded Outreach, Testing, and Linkage sites are required by contract to make referrals and linkages for their HIV positive clients within 3 months of the client's diagnosis. Ryan White Part B funded sites are also required as part of their contract to have their medical case managers refer and link clients to care within 3 months of diagnosis.