Between 2002 and 2004 approximately 75 % of Suffolk County's reported TB cases were in foreign-born persons from high TB prevalence countries. A pro-active program was needed to address this demographic trend. The Suffolk County New York Department of Health Services, Bureau of Chest Diseases (BCD), Targeted Tuberculosis Testing and Treatment Program reached out to foreign-born populations at increased risk for Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI). The Testing and Treatment program was an action and solution based initiative that effectively concentrated resources to achieve the goal of TB elimination in Suffolk County. The program offered "stand alone" comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services foreign-born persons with LTBI.

The goal of this program is to reduce rates of TB among foreign-born populations and to increase rates of treatment for latent TB infection.

Between 2000-2004, 3,310 persons were reached and educated about LTBI and TB disease by Testing and Treatment staff. Of those patients who were begun on treatment for LTBI, 81 % completed treatment.