Oct 3, 2010
CONTACT: Adam Liegeot, 860-301-4055
HIV Testing and Smoking Cessation Program To Benefit
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that Connecticut will receive federal funds for public health prevention and awareness programs, including enhanced HIV testing and smoking cessation support.
“These funds support critical public health services in communities across Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “We continue to strengthen our efforts to monitor and respond to diseases and give smokers the help they are seeking to kick the cigarette habit.”
Connecticut was awarded funds as part of the federal health care reform law. It will specifically be used for the following initiative:
· $145,567 will support increased routine HIV testing opportunities for populations disproportionately affected by HIV and help link newly identified HIV-infected persons with appropriate services to prevent further transmission and delay disease progression.
- $79,714 will support HIV laboratory data reporting improvements to strengthen Connecticut’s capacity to monitor the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
· $68,102 will support Connecticut’s tobacco use prevention efforts, expanding on a public awareness campaign regarding exposure to secondhand smoke and encouraging Connecticut residents who want to quit smoking to call the Quitline for assistance.
· $556,474 will increase epidemiology, laboratory and health information systems capacity to allow the state and local health departments the ability to better respond to disease outbreaks, monitor trends and evaluate the impact of public health interventions such as vaccinations to improve the public’s health.
· $1,000,000 over five years was awarded to improve the state’s public health system by building a performance management capacity and improving the ability to meet national public health standards.
· $309,446 was awarded to support and promote better primary care and behavioral health services for individuals with mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders.
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