Partner Services
HIV Partner Services is a free service offered through local health departments. The program provides assistance to HIV-positive persons in notifying their sexual and/or needle-sharing partners of possible exposure to HIV. HIV Partner Services are always voluntary, client-centered, and confidential for both the person living with HIV and their partner(s).
The HIV Partner Services Program provides three options for letting partners know they may have been exposed to HIV and/or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and provide linkages to testing and medical care.
- Anonymous Third Party: Specially trained local health department staff notifies partners without disclosing any information about the original client.
- Dual Disclosure: The original client chooses to disclose to partners him- or herself with the support of trained HIV Partner Services staff. Trained staff can provide immediate linkage to services once the original client has told the partner of the exposure.
- Self-Disclosure: The original client notifies his or her partner(s), after working with trained HIV Partner Services staff to develop a disclosure plan.
At the local level, HIV Partner Services are available at some HIV counseling and testing and care sites where people living with HIV receive services. The Public Health Department offers Partners Services for individuals referred by private medical doctors, correctional institutions, and other care facilities that provide HIV testing.
HIV Partner Services activities have been recognized at the state and national levels as an effective intervention benefiting people living with HIV and/or other STDs, their partners, and the larger community.
For more information go to: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/aids/Pages/tOAHIVPartnerServicesSP.aspx
Medical Providers and Referring Providers
The Centers for Disease Control offers information and other resources for medical providers. This module provides an overview of the principles that guide effective practice in discussing a referral to Partner Services with patients.
Additional Resources:
Contact Information:
Imperial County Public Health Department
Tel: (442) 265-1464