Communicating During an HIV Outbreak Among People Who Inject Drugs-West Virginia 2019

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Communication

Background:

• An HIV outbreak occurred in 2019 among people who inject drugs (PWID) in West Virginia.
• A collaborative response was initiated by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (WV BPH), Cabell-Huntington Health Department (CHHD), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish situational awareness and identify knowledge gaps regarding the HIV outbreak.
• To develop and disseminate targeted communication strategies to diverse audiences, including the general population, PWID, and healthcare providers.
• To address critical issues such as drug use stigma, syringe services programs, and HIV prevention.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a cross-agency communications team involving CDC, WV BPH, and CHHD.
• Development and dissemination of updated messages via advertisements, local news media, and direct outreach.
• Prioritization of messages addressing stigma, syringe services programs, and HIV.
• Leveraging local relationships and community knowledge with state and federal expertise.

Main Results:

• Effective dissemination of timely and relevant information about the evolving HIV outbreak.
• Messages were tailored to local values and addressed key concerns of various target audiences.
• Strengthened communication capacity by combining local assets with external expertise.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative communication approach was effective in managing the HIV outbreak response.
• This model provides a valuable framework for addressing public health communication needs during similar outbreaks.
• Integrated efforts between local, state, and federal agencies enhance response capabilities.