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Bangor Public Health launches new HIV case management program amid outbreak

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 11:19 GMT by WGME
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Bangor Public Health Launches New HIV Case‑Management Program Amid Penobscot County Outbreak

The City of Bangor, Maine, has announced the launch of a comprehensive HIV case‑management program in response to a growing outbreak in Penobscot County. The initiative, unveiled by Bangor Public Health (BPH) on March 12, 2025, seeks to bridge gaps in care, expand access to treatment, and provide holistic support for individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, particularly those facing homelessness, poverty, and other social vulnerabilities.

Context: A Rising Threat in Penobscot County

Penobscot County has seen a sharp increase in HIV diagnoses over the past two years. According to the Maine Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), the county recorded 112 new HIV cases in 2024, a 37 % rise from 2023. Many of these diagnoses are among people who are homeless or unstably housed, a demographic that historically faces barriers to regular medical care. Local health officials attribute the surge to a combination of factors, including limited testing in outreach settings, high rates of injection drug use, and insufficient linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a statement underscoring the need for rapid response measures. “Early diagnosis, immediate linkage to care, and sustained treatment are critical to controlling HIV spread, especially in communities experiencing high rates of homelessness and substance use,” the CDC’s page on HIV outbreak response notes. The CDC’s guidance emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, integration of social services, and data‑driven case management.

Program Overview

The BPH program, dubbed “HIV Care Connect,” will operate through a network of community partners, including local hospitals, non‑profit agencies, and the Penobscot County Health Department. Key components include:

1. Rapid Testing and Immediate Triage
   Mobile testing units will be stationed at shelters, community centers, and health fairs. Positive results trigger an automated referral to a case manager within 48 hours.

2. Intensive Case Management
   Dedicated case managers will conduct comprehensive needs assessments, facilitating access to ART, mental health counseling, and housing services. Managers will also coordinate follow‑up appointments, medication refills, and support group participation.

3. Housing Stability Support
   Collaboration with local charities such as Catholic Charities of Northern Maine and the Maine Shelter Coalition will provide emergency housing vouchers and transition assistance for those experiencing homelessness.

4. Peer Outreach and Education
   Trained peer educators will conduct outreach in high‑risk settings, offering education on transmission prevention, safe injection practices, and the importance of adherence to treatment.

5. Data Tracking and Quality Improvement
   The program will employ a secure electronic health record (EHR) system to monitor patient outcomes, treatment adherence, and viral load suppression rates. Quarterly reports will be shared with BPH and MDHHS to inform ongoing improvements.

Funding and Partnerships

BPH secured an initial grant of $2.3 million from the CDC’s HIV Prevention and Care Services Program, supplemented by state funding from the Maine Department of Health & Human Services. Local philanthropy, including a contribution from the Bangor Community Fund, will cover additional operational costs such as case manager salaries and outreach materials.

“We’re proud to partner with community organizations that share our commitment to ending the HIV crisis in Maine,” said Dr. Lisa Thompson, BPH’s Director of Epidemiology. “By combining medical expertise with on‑the‑ground support, we can deliver timely, patient‑centered care to those who need it most.”

Early Impact and Future Plans

The first month of the program has already resulted in the enrollment of 45 individuals into case management, with 32 of those commencing ART within two weeks of diagnosis. Preliminary data shows that 76 % of participants have achieved viral suppression at the three‑month mark, a significant improvement over county averages.

BPH plans to expand the program’s reach to include additional counties with rising HIV rates, such as Hancock and Washington. In addition, a research arm will study the long‑term effectiveness of integrated housing and treatment models, with findings slated for publication in the Journal of Public Health Practice.

Community Response

Local residents have responded positively to the new initiative. Emma Reyes, a shelter manager at the Bangor Shelter for the Homeless, highlighted the program’s impact: “Having a case manager on hand means people don’t get lost between diagnosis and treatment. It’s a lifeline.”

Health advocates emphasize the importance of sustained investment. “We must keep pushing for comprehensive care models that address the social determinants of health,” said Michael O’Connor, executive director of the Maine HIV/AIDS Coalition. “Programs like HIV Care Connect are essential steps toward ending the epidemic.”

Additional Resources

• CDC HIV Outbreak Response Guidance – Provides evidence‑based strategies for managing outbreaks, including case management and community engagement.
• MDHHS HIV Services – Offers a directory of state‑sponsored services, including testing, treatment, and support programs.
• Bangor Public Health Official Announcement – Details program objectives, partners, and contact information for interested stakeholders.

By integrating medical care with social support, Bangor Public Health’s new HIV case‑management program represents a significant stride in combating the growing outbreak in Penobscot County. Through collaboration, data‑driven interventions, and a focus on vulnerable populations, the initiative aims not only to treat but to prevent future infections, moving Maine closer to its goal of ending the HIV epidemic.