City Council
MEETING DATE: 7/13/2016
TITLE:
Title
Get Tested Coachella Valley Campaign
End
FROM:
Charles McClendon, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This item is provided for information, discussion and direction only.
Body
BACKGROUND:
On January 1, 2014 Get Tested Coachella Valley was officially launched as a three-year effort to dramatically reduce the spread of HIV by testing more adolescents and adults. This is the nation's first ever community-driven, regional testing initiative.
DISCUSSION:
Get Tested Coachella Valley has demonstrated success in helping those testing positive become connected to care. Linking HIV-positive individuals to medical care as soon as possible is not only critical for their own healthy future but the appropriate medications makes them 96% less likely to spread the virus to others. The campaign seeks not only to expand the number of community HIV testing sites but also to encourage doctor’s offices, clinics, and emergency departments to make testing a routine process.
It is Staff's recommendation that the City Council discuss whether or not they officially support the "Get Tested Coachella Valley Campaign" recognizing the health benefits to those in the community and throughout the Valley. If the Council supports the program, it may direct staff to bring back any items necessary to officially support the program for Council approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with this item.
ATTACHMENTS:
None