For immediate release: November 7, 2005

Contact:
Lonnie Peterson, State Board of Health, (360) 236-4108

Board focuses on HIV name retention, pandemic flu
Wednesday, November 9, 9 a.m.–4:15 p.m., Comfort Inn, 1620 74th Ave. SW, Tumwater

At its meeting Wednesday, November 9 in Tumwater, the State Board of Health will discuss federal policies that may require Washington to retain the names of people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but are not exhibiting AIDS symptoms. Board rules adopted in 1999 require public health officials to convert the names of asymptomatic HIV cases to a code within 90 days of receipt of a complete case report.

Washington State receives money for HIV/AIDS care and treatment under the Ryan White CARE Act. The federal government distributes Ryan White funds based on the number of cases in each state. Recent communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that unnamed cases soon will not be considered in the allocation formula. Washington will likely lose a significant part of its allocation unless the Board allows the names of asymptomatic HIV case reports to be retained past 90 days.
In addition, the Department of Health will provide a briefing on avian flu and pandemic preparedness efforts. The Board will also review a preliminary draft of its strategic plan and discuss a revised timeline for its 2006 State Health Report and public forums.

Copies of the agenda and related materials are available by contacting the Board of Health at 360-236-4110 or by visiting the Board’s Web site at www.sboh.wa.gov. The emergency and press contact number for the Board during the meeting is 360-701-2398.
 

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The State Board of Health serves the citizens of Washington by working to understand and prevent disease across the entire population. Established in 1889 by the State Constitution, the Board provides leadership by suggesting public health policies and actions, by regulating certain activities, and by providing a public forum. The Governor appoints ten members who fill three-year terms. Visit the Board’s Web site at http://www.sboh.wa.gov.

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