Indian Health Board of Billings to offer HIV tests

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) – The Indian Health Board of Billings has announced two new programs intended to help two vulnerable populations.

Officials tell the Billings Gazette the medical clinic starting Thursday will offer free rapid HIV tests on a walk-in basis. Then, next week, the clinic plans to begin a campaign to help pregnant Native American teenagers and their babies as well as preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Executive Director Marjorie Bear Don't Walk says the majority of patients at the clinic are Native American, but the clinic is open to anyone.

Bear Don't Walk says about a third of the people visiting the clinic are Crow, and a fourth are Cheyenne and enrolled members of tribes in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Robert IronMaker Jr., the clinic's health site manager and grant writer, said the clinic saw nearly 6,000 people last year.

He said the Indian Health Board is part of a national pilot program in 24 cities and rural communities for rapid HIV screening started by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. He said the Indian Health Board is the only urban Indian clinic in the pilot project.

“In the event that the test is positive, we'll work with the patient to refer them to get the help they need and provide them educational materials,” IronMaker said.

As for the teen pregnancy program, the Indian Health Board received a $60,000 grant from the Montana Department of Health and Human Services' Pregnancy Assistance fund from the Affordable Care Act from the Office of Adolescent Health.

Ironmaker said Yellowstone County has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in Montana.

“And of that, 40 percent of the babies born to moms between the ages of 15 and 17 are American Indian,” he said.

He said the program will try to help teens who are pregnant or parents, and will include education and care. Fathers will be encouraged to take responsibility.

“We'll be bringing in father mentors to help them through the process, and help them develop and maintain a healthy relationship” with their baby and the mother of their children, IronMaker said.

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Information from: Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com