December 6, 2007

Poor Testing and Care in South Carolina

A new study conducted by South Carolina’s health department—and reported by The Charlotte Observer—reveals inconsistent HIV testing and treatment patterns in the state. More than 2,000 people in South Carolina tested positive for the virus between 2004 and 2006 (charlotte.com, 12/9).

The Observer notes that 75 percent of those people received no treatment within 60 days of their diagnosis, while 14 percent received no HIV-related health care whatsoever during the period.

“As a practicing physician and a public health official, those are numbers I’m not proud of,” says Dr. Wayne Duffus, who led the study. “It’s like compound interest. It gets bigger every year.”

The study also showed that those positive South Carolinians who did get treatment received it only sporadically, which can spur other HIV-related dangers such as drug resistance.
 

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Previous Comments:

Donald Worth, , 2007-12-17 22:27:45
This is the Bible belt, it shows the general attitude of people there twords those infected. Most folks there would tell you it's GODs punishment for sin. Why seek help when you are not going to get it, or your business will be everybody's business. It won't be long before there will be news reports on increased death rates of people with HIV/AIDS.

dave thomas, demorest ga, 2007-12-12 08:26:35
I simply can't believe this story. Who is in charge of the treatment program in SC? It sounds as though no one is. But, if so, they certainly should be fired and possibly criminally proscecuted. How can we deliver HIV help to south Afica but we can't even deliver it to South Carolina! The Bush administration has proven over and over again that they're simply not keeping their eye on the ball. This, Bush's continued stance on Iran even after new report, Katrina, Iraq, etc and etc

michael p in TX, Ft.Worth TX, 2007-12-11 17:08:43
We here in Ft Worth know it takes leg work to get help! We travel to Austin as needed to talk and arm twist our politico reps. to keep ADAP etc in place. Some in this state were stupid enough to send Babi Bush to the White House but we are all NOT that stupid when it comes to our politics. LOL

Michael, Columbia, 2007-12-11 11:46:49
Part of the problem we have in SC and Columbia is that there is not a decent AIDS foundation like Whitman-Walker. I have called the PALSS on several occasions and they are rude and do not return phone calls. I didn't even want services, I wanted to volunteer. Go figure. So without proper case management, newly infected people are left to "fend for themselves". Sad.

pozitivlysweet, , 2007-12-09 11:47:47
Why is it that those people are not getting the treatment they deserve? We were looking to move to the area but now thinking twice cause of the health care issues. Thats sad and the gov't should step in and help those that need it. Is there not enough infectious disease dr's there?