The News & Observer
RALEIGH, N.C. — Four out of five incoming prisoners were tested for HIV in November under a new HIV testing program for prison inmates in North Carolina.
The N.C. Department of Correction began the expanded HIV testing program Nov. 1, in collaboration with the state Division of Public Health. Of the 2,163 people entering the state’s prisons last month, 1,784 were tested for HIV, according to the department.
Prison officials diagnosed 10 inmates with HIV who had not previously been aware of their status. Treating patients with HIV costs the prison system an estimated $1,700 per inmate each month.
Previously, HIV testing was offered based on a medical evaluation as inmates entered the system, or when an inmate requested a test. Under new guidelines, HIV testing is offered to every incoming inmate. An inmate may waive the test after receiving counseling about HIV. Inmates may request testing at any time during their incarceration.
Public health officials had asked prison officials this year to offer the testing as a matter of routine health screening. Previously, only about a quarter of male inmates not previously diagnosed with HIV requested to take the test when they entered prison.
Copyright 2008 The News and Observer