The STD/HIV Prevention program strives to increase public awareness about HIV as well as promote the reduction of new cases. These efforts are accomplished through the use of educational resources on HIV, screening and testing, effective condom use, and partnering with community organizations that serve at-risk populations. Education is also provided to health care professionals to facilitate improvements in clinical practice and information sharing with policymakers.
In addition to community-based partners, the STD/HIV Prevention program implements public health strategies in collaboration with other state and local government agencies and departments, including the MSDH Family Planning program, the state Department of Education, and the state Department of Corrections to ensure that HIV education and prevention strategies are implemented or incorporated into existing programs.
High-Impact Prevention Strategies
- High-Impact Prevention CDC
- Condom Use: Condoms are distributed in every Public Health Region. STD/HIV Office has increased the number of condoms to be disseminated as a structural intervention with a concentration in areas of high HIV morbidity. Condoms are distributed through MSDH county health departments and statewide community partners. Anyone may obtain condoms by visiting their local health department.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a HIV prevention method in which preventive medication is taken daily by those who do not have HIV in order to reduce the risk of infection. When used consistently, PrEP has been shown to be effective in sexually active men and women.
HIV Prevention Partnerships
Partnership information is currently being updated.
Rapid HIV Testing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults in the United States get tested for HIV at least once (preferably once a year) regardless of risk factors for HIV infection. Anyone actively engaging in sexual activity should seek testing. The Mississippi State Department of Health STD/HIV Office collaborates with numerous clinical and non-clinical testing sites statewide to offer free rapid HIV testing.
Community STD/HIV Education
STD/HIV educational information is provided by community health workers participating in outreach and community programming. Additional education/training is provided via quarterly trainings/webinars.
More Information
For questions or for more information, please contact the STD/HIV Prevention Program at 601-576-7723.
