What is HAHSTA?
The HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Administration—or HAHSTA, for short—is a DC government agency working to prevent the spread of those diseases, as well as support residents who are living with them. HAHSTA administers the District’s budget for health-related programs, funds grants for service providers, and tracks the impact and presence of those diseases in DC.
What does HASHTA do?
We partner with health and community-based organizations to offer:
- Testing
- Counseling
- Education
- Intervention
- Medical support
We assist with the following services for DC residents living with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, STDs and tuberculosis:
- Housing
- Nutritional Support
- Personal Care
- Emergency Services
- Direct Services
What services do you offer?
We provide free condoms, lube, and free STD testing at the DC Health and Wellness Center for all DC residents. We also provide free medication and insurance for people in the District living with HIV/AIDS through our AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Finally, we offer a needle exchange called DC NEX and tuberculosis services at the DC Chest Clinic.
What’s with the campaigns?
- HAHSTA runs social campaigns about sexual health because social marketing is a core part of the HAHSTA public health strategy. It helps us connect with the diverse and vast DC population, in order to not only reduce HIV, STD, hepatitis, and TB infections, but also to spread a sex positive message. Being a sex positive organization means we affirm the diversity of sexual identities. We also believe that sex should be safe, consensual, enjoyable, respectful, identity-affirming, and a natural part of life. Oh, and sex information and treatment should always be delivered without judgment.
Do you facilitate trainings or workshops?
Yes. We offer HIV testing and naloxone administration trainings. Please check our training page for an updated schedule.
Have you made any progress in reducing the HIV and STD rates in DC?
According to the most recent surveillance report from the DC Department of Health, newly diagnosed cases of HIV have dropped 52% since 2011, which is both exciting and promising. However, over the past few years, reported cases of chlamydia have increased 9.8% and gonorrhea rose 17.7%.
When I’m tested, does the government collect data on me?
Yes and no. HIPPA law ensures all of your identifiable health information is protected. That means your name or social security number will not be tied to any health information that goes to the government. But health departments are legally required to keep track of infectious diseases and how they are impacting the community.
Does HAHSTA partner with community organizations?
We have relationships with key partners to offer testing, counseling, treatment, contraceptives, medication, and much more. You can find a list on our Partners and Agencies page.
