Benchmarking in HIV/AIDS
Marina Willens-Leon
University of Phoenix Online

Benchmarking in HIV/AIDS
Benchmarking in HIV/AIDS
Marina Willens-Leon
University of Phoenix Online

Benchmarking in HIV/AIDS The growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS to include high rates in other sexually transmitted diseases has prompt the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to benchmark processes leading to successful intervention and prevention state programs. In 2010 implementation of new strategies outlines three goals base on the failure of the past focusing on reduction in the amount of HIV infections, improving access to care, and reducing disparities (Yehia and Frank, 2011). State programs in Texas measures the benchmark process through individual performance thus completing semi-annual and annual report reflecting the attainable goals of the program. Individual accountability through performance measures is a major component in the strategic plan. Reduction of HIV infections in the state of Texas requires programs to focus on the continued rise in cases despite the advances in treatment allowing persons to live longer healthier lives. According to the Texas HIV/STD prevention plan, 2011 approach is guided by the socio-ecological framework with the reality showing individual decisions influences the behavior associated with contraction of the disease. The CDC states stigma, fear, discrimination, homophobia, and negative perceptions about HIV testing can also place too many African Americans at higher risk. They fear stigma more than infection and choose instead to hide their high-risk behavior. The current major focus in HIV/AIDS is the behavior associated with the disease. Behavior in this context defines why a person fails to access care, and continues to take part in high risk activities. The State of Texas strategic goals for benchmarking outline several measurements 1. The interview process 2. Field investigations 3. Surveillance HIV/AIDS continues to reach epidemic proportions with alarming rates among African American women. New anti-viral treatment targeting the gay segment of the population leaves women with few options in prevention. With an estimated 56,000 HIV infections occurring each year the introduction of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a method to prevent the spread of the disease among infected persons with uninfected partners, PrEP uses antiviral medications to reduce the risk of infection in persons who are negative (AVAC, 2011). Funding to include access to PrEP limits the availability adding to the disparities of African American women.
INTERVENTIONS on HIV/AIDS

To address the epidemic of HIV/AIDS, the U.S. government has responded through regulations, laws, and policies resulting in national, state health and social programs. A major front line is the commitment of state agencies and Community Base Organizations and the impact of workers in the intervention and prevention of the disease. The epidemic shows the hard work taken on by disease intervention specialist, community layperson to include social workers who took charge in addressing the requirements of intervention and prevention treatment of HIV/AIDS.

In Texas one of the community based organization responsible for intervention and prevention is Triangle AIDS Network located in Jefferson County. TAN serves ethnic groups in the communities of Jefferson, Hardin, and Orange counties. Compared to Hardin and, Orange, Jefferson County represents fourth in the state of Texas in the amount of cases reported each year. This county consists of 52% White and 33% Black and 17% Hispanic with majority of new cases among Blacks. Of this majority many are men seeking men ranging in the ages of 17-34. Williams, Wyatt, Henderson, and Sumner (2009) state “people of color are disportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, yet African American HIV/AIDS researchers are in short supply. Complex historical, structural,