HFP staff member presents at Public Health Day Symposium

Philadelphia – Kristin Walker, HFP’s coordinator of the Perinatal HIV Prevention Project, presented at the Fourth Annual Public Health Day Symposium held by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia on April 3. Over 100 people and 20 presenters attended the symposium to learn about the variety of programs offered within the Philadelphia public health community.

Walker’s presentation focused on the services available for women who are pregnant and living with HIV in Philadelphia through the Action Wellness and Drexel/Hahnemann Perinatal Medical Case Management (PMCM) services. PMCM supportive services include assistance with basic needs, intensive focus on medical care, home visits and education on HIV care, contraception and parenting.

PMCM’s main focus is the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.  “Each year in Philadelphia, approximately 75-90 women living with HIV give birth. Without treatment, 25 percent of their HIV exposed infants will become infected with the virus,” said Walker. “The good news is that with adequate treatment during pregnancy, labor, delivery and treatment of the newborn, the risk of mother-to-child transmission decreases to less than one percent.”

After Walker’s presentation, attendees had the opportunity to network and discuss each public health project at a round table discussion.

For more information:
Action Wellness Perinatal Medical Case Management Services
Women’s Care Center at Drexel Obstetrics and Gynecology