Pros
It's an exciting time in HIV Treatment and Prevention as advances in science have lead to changes in the way HIV/STD testing can be performed. With the advent of rapid/instant testing, the focus shifted from ensuring people know their test results towards ensuring people who need it can access HIV care. Funding from the federal government, has opened up new possibilities for HIV prevention programming. Specifically related to the health department itself, there is plenty opportunity for improvement in operations (processes and protocols) and programming (community planning, prevention interventions, policy change, etc.) These improvements could make a big difference in the STD/HIV health outcomes of Fulton County citizens.
Cons
The working environment feels oppressive; leadership feels stale and inflexible. Professional level staffers are often treated like an extra pair of hands to carry out the dictates of leadership vs employees selected because of what they bring to the table. Many ideas are offered but, as happens when an organization hasn't had a change in leadership in eons, then leadership shoots down most ideas because "back when we tried that before...." even when current circumstances are different. This mode of operation persists even when its obviously not working as evidence by the missed opportunities to provide services and the inefficiencies in the provision of services. Unfortunately, the health department reputation proceeds it and this hinders relationships with AIDS Service Organizations in the community. Beyond the less than stellar management, data systems are archaic- often paper-based. If data is in an electronic format, the various assorted data systems don't talk to each other. The office space is cramped with several people to an office. The physical building is unkempt (main clinic location). Although the building is noticeably old and worn, what stands out is that its also dirty- the stairway walls have old splatters, the wood doors show where everyone pushed at the same spot, sometime a dead insect will remain in the same spot for several days, etc. Building maintenance and repairs are unacceptably slow, such that its good advice to build in extra time in case your chosen rest room is filthy/inoperable and you need to seek an alternate restroom. Many staff opt to eat lunch in their cars in the parking deck rather than in the break room.