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DOC Achieves Superior Rating from the DC Appleseed Center: Sixth Report Card on “HIV/AIDS in the Nation's Capital”

Monday, March 21, 2011

“DC Appleseed is a nonprofit organization dedicated to solving important public policy problems facing the Washington, DC metropolitan area.  Beginning in 2005, DC Appleseed began a comprehensive evaluation of the District of Columbia government’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  In August of 2005, the organization issued their first report calling for sweeping reforms in the District government's response to the city's HIV/AIDS epidemic and making specific recommendations for improvement. The report has been embraced by the District government and a broad cross-section of stakeholders as a "blueprint for change." Since the report release, several key recommendations have been implemented, including: an overhaul of the District's system for collecting and analyzing HIV and AIDS epidemiologic data; a citywide HIV testing campaign designed to make HIV testing a routine part of all medical care; and a citywide condom distribution program. DC Appleseed is now working to ensure that additional needed changes are made by playing an ongoing monitoring role, as well as conducting further research and advocacy in several areas, including: HIV prevention among drug users; HIV prevention education in DCPS; condom distribution; HIV/AIDS surveillance; and mental health services related to HIV/AIDS" -- (DC Appleseed, 2011)

In their initial report card, the government received a grade of C plus for its efforts to address HIV/AIDS among the incarcerated population.  Along with this rating, came a series of recommendations that called for improvements in interagency coordination, routine testing, data collection, discharge planning and bridge medication for those with a positive diagnosis. From the time of their initial evaluation, DOC understood the magnitude of the work they were doing to objectively assess the status of service delivery, streamline the process, establish/strengthen linkages and determine the next steps for all key stakeholders.  The Department’s executive level team embraced the organization as a valued partner, utilizing their feedback and recommendations to develop a program that has become a national best practice.

With the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth Report Cards, the government’s efforts to effectively address HIV/AIDS among the incarcerated climbed to a B+ then moved to an A for four consecutive years.  In their most recent evaluation, the organization wrote that “despite financial challenges, DOC has sustained performance on HIV testing, treatment and prevention among the incarcerated, and has implemented further improvements.”

Information retrieved from DC Appleseed’s website

DC Appleseed Sixth HIV/AIDS Report, March 8, 2011 [PDF]