U=U is interrupting HIV stigma in our lives.
Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed an initiative, “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America” to utilize developments in HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment that will lead to a 75% reduction in new HIV infections by 2025 and 90% reduction by 2030. HHS agencies such as the CDC, HRSA, NIH, and SAMHSA decided to come together to provide jurisdictions with the needed resources and infrastructure to accomplish these goals.
The EHE initiative is a ten-year plan beginning in 2020 and ending in 2030 that that is currently in Phase I. Phase I focuses on 48 counties, Washington, D.C, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is important to note that 50% of HIV diagnoses occurred in these locations from 2016–2017. Phase I also includes seven states with high HIV diagnoses in rural areas.
Each EHE Jurisdiction created their own EHE Plan to address HIV service needs and gaps according to the four EHE pillars: Diagnose, Treat, Prevent and Respond. New Jersey’s jurisdictions are Essex and Hudson counties which have the highest burden of HIV in the state. New Jersey has one EHE federal plan that addresses the needs of both counties.
EHE Rollout
The EHE Roll out in New Jersey consisted of several different grants with the three main grants being: the HRSA Part A grant, planning grant, and implementation grant. The HRSA Part A Grant was given directly to Ryan White Part A recipients in Essex and Hudson counties to bolster existing Ryan White programs and address gaps in care services.
The planning grant was given to NJ DOH, DHSTS to facilitate community engagement activities and to coordinate collaboration between the State and Part A regions to create an EHE plan specific to Essex and Hudson counties.
Lastly, the implementation grant was given to NJ DOH, DHSTS who in turn will fund external agencies throughout Essex and Hudson counties to promote novel approaches to address HIV care and prevention.
