Portland Public Health (PPH) is issuing a renewed call to action for HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV) and Syphillis testing and prevention following a recent Public Health Advisory from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC).   The advisory highlights an increase in new HIV diagnoses among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Cumberland County.  PPH is increasing targeted outreach to the priority population and working closely with community partners and healthcare providers to ensure that testing, prevention and treatment resources are readily available to address this trend according to a press release received early this afternoon.

According to the CDC advisory, Cumberland County, which averaged one new HIV diagnosis among PWID per year from 2020-2024, has seen five new diagnoses in this population as of November 17, 2025.

Key Recommendatdions:  Get Tested because early detection is critical in connecting to treatment and preventing further transmission.  The Maine CDC recommends testing at least every three months for people with certain risk factors, including PWID.

“HIV testing and prevention remain among the most effective tools we have to protect the health of our community,” said Bridget Rauscher, Portlad Public Health Director.  “Early diagnosis saves lives, prevents transmission and ensures people can access the support and treatment they need and the care they deserve.  We encourage those who may be at increased risk to access confidential, low-barrier testing, prevention and harm reduction services.”

For more information on accessing resources, patients can contact Portland Public Health’s clinic at 207 – 874-8446.