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In researching alleged 2011 Michigan
Department of Community Health (MDCH) data breaches, investigative reporter
Todd Heywood discovered that MDCH “secretly collected” personal
information—names, dates of birth, risk categories, and other demographic data—on
people (and their partners) who went to government grant-funded organizations
for confidential testing. Heywood reports that the state is using the private
information in civil and criminal cases against HIV-infected people who present
a “health threat.”
To learn about MDCH collection of
confidential HIV testing information, Heywood submitted multiple Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) requests, and he also asked to attend a March 6
mandatory meeting for all Michigan agencies that receive federal funding for
HIV prevention and testing through MDCH grants. Although meeting organizers
initially denied Heywood’s request because he is not a grantee, he eventually
received permission to attend. Heywood states his 300-hour investigation has
encompassed 60 e-mail interviews and phone calls, FOIA requests and appeals,
and document review.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
