Clinical Programs

The Office of the Medical Director (OMD) supports community clinicians working with HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis and Drug User Health and promotes a positive approach to comprehensive Sexual Health Care Services delivered in a safe, stigma free environment.  The Clinical Programs Unit provides clinical expertise to other Department of Health programs, and assists medical providers as they incorporate innovations in biomedical HIV prevention and HIV clinical care such as post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in high risk populations and Rapid Initiation of ART (antiretroviral treatment) in persons newly diagnosed with HIV.  We encourage adoption of “Best Practices” for quality care, disseminate and reinforce implementation of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) AIDS Institute Clinical Guidelines, and provide clinical consults.

Programs Include:

New York State PEP Hotline

The New York State (NYS) PEP Hotline was created in late 2019 to increase access to HIV prevention following a non-occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Operated by Mount Sinai through a contract with NYSDOH AIDS Institute, HIV PEP services are now available throughout NYS, excluding New York City.  The Hotline program provides timely access to emergency PEP and removes many of the barriers upstate residents face when seeking PEP.  The NYS PEP Hotline is available 24/7 at 844-737-4669.

Expanded Sexual Health Clinics in Local Health Departments

Sexual health clinics (SHCs) in Onondaga, Erie, Monroe, and Westchester Counties are participating in a pilot program that to enhance Article 6 funded services.  Initially funded to provide PrEP, they also provide Rapid Initiation of ART (RIA), and PEP when indicated, along with screening, evaluation, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The SHCs provide STI testing including extragenital testing as appropriate, expedited partner therapy for chlamydia and gonorrhea, immunizations against meningococcal, hepatitis and human papilloma virus and linkage to family planning services.  The SHCs have also initiated social determinants of health (SDOH) screening to identify and help patients navigate barriers to care which impact health outcomes.

Contact:

Marcia Kindlon
Director, Clinical Programs
Office of the Medical Director
(518)473-8815
Marcia.kindlon@health.ny.gov