In the Infectious Diseases area, Bronx-Lebanon’s inpatient program and new Center for Comprehensive Care have further reinforced the hospital’s pre-eminent position as a leader in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. “The newly designed space at our Center for Comprehensive Care is assuring a welcoming environment, where prevention, treatment, and educational services are offered,” stated Dr. Edward Telzak, Chief, Infectious Diseases and Director, AIDS Program.

Bronx-Lebanon has been caring for patients with HIV/AIDS since the early stages of the epidemic. It was one of the first institutions to appreciate the importance of heterosexual transmission of the virus. Currently, state-of-the-art care is provided in both ambulatory and inpatient settings. Comprehensive mental health programs, treatment adherence, and education programs are just a few of the numerous interventions available to patients. Additionally, a mobile van that delivers HIV primary care, provides medical services, social work, case management, drug treatment/referral, and education to HIV infected individuals throughout the community, including those who live in such difficult to reach areas as family shelters and single room occupancy hotels.

During the past three years, grant funding has allowed the AIDS Program to expand the availability of HIV counseling and testing in the hospital, its ambulatory facilities, and throughout the community. As a result, an individual can now receive their HIV test results within twenty minutes. If HIV positive, the necessary linkages to Bronx-Lebanon’s comprehensive HIV primary care and related programs then becomes a critical component in the caring process.

The Infectious Diseases Division team is also actively involved in prevention and treatment of numerous emerging and long known infectious diseases, such as West Nile Virus, multi-drug resistant bacteria, influenza, and tuberculosis.

Availability of National Institute of Health funded clinical trials for patients and numerous other grant awards are a tribute to the efforts of the entire Infectious Diseases/AIDS program team.

“We have made significant progress in the many battles against HIV/AIDS for our patients, as well as the community, but there are still many challenges ahead of us,” stated Dr. Telzak.