title: Re-engagement in HIV Care: A Clinical and Public Health Priority.
abstract: As many as 40-50% of persons living with HIV (PLWH) who once were in HIV care are no longer in care. It is estimated that these individuals account for over 60% of HIV transmissions. So, preventing the leaving of care and re-engaging PLWH with care are crucial if the HIV epidemic is to be brought under control. Clinicians can improve retention by keeping in close contact with patients. Governmental public health agencies have great expertise in finding and engaging in care persons with sexually transmitted infections. This expertise can be used to re-engage PLWH with HIV care, but it can only be utilized if the agencies know that someone is out of care. Data on who has left care are in the hands of HIV providers. This requires a close working relationship between HIV providers and public health agencies.
authors.affiliation: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Medical School, Houston, USA.
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Grimes
authors.affiliation: The Bureau of HIV/STD and Viral Hepatitis Prevention at the City of Houston Health Department, Houston, USA.
authors.forename: Camden J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Hallmark
authors.affiliation: The Bureau of HIV/STD and Viral Hepatitis Prevention at the City of Houston Health Department, Houston, USA.
authors.forename: Kellie L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.affiliation: The Bureau of HIV/STD and Viral Hepatitis Prevention at the City of Houston Health Department, Houston, USA.
authors.forename: Saroochi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.affiliation: The Bureau of HIV/STD and Viral Hepatitis Prevention at the City of Houston Health Department, Houston, USA.
authors.forename: Marlene L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: McNeese