Project ACCEPT is designed to improve engagement and retention in medical care for youth ages 16 to 24 years with newly diagnosed HIV. The educational and skill-building intervention was deployed at four demonstration sites and increased rates of medication use and appointment adherence in comparison to a control group. Although originally developed for cisgender youth, Project ACCEPT may be adapted for gender-diverse people.
Evidence-Based Intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV; Youth ages 13 to 24
Retention in HIV medical care
Support service delivery model
Chicago, IL
Detroit, MI
Memphis, TN
Miami, FL
Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, a Federally Qualified Health Center, and AIDS Foundation Houston, a community-based AIDS Service Organization, implemented Project CORE. This intervention aimed to improve health outcomes for people with HIV through the coordination of supportive employment and housing services. Through Project CORE, 39% of participants were placed in housing and 39% gained employment.
People who are unstably housed
Linkage to HIV medical care; Beyond the care continuum
Support service delivery model
The CrescentCare Start Initiative is a program of CrescentCare, a Federally Qualified Health Center, and the New Orleans Office of Health Policy. The initiative connects people with newly diagnosed HIV to antiretroviral therapy (ART) through intensive patient navigation and a streamlined intake process. Time between HIV diagnosis and linkage to HIV medical care has decreased from 30 days to only 1.3 days.
Evidence-Based Intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV
Linkage to HIV medical care
Support service delivery model
Yale Community Health Care Van and Clinic, and Liberty Community Services, Inc., empowered clients to set and achieve employment and housing goals, as well as strengthened the ability of community-based organizations to provide related services. This initiative known as Project HERO was implemented between 2017 and 2020 as part of the HIV, Housing, and Employment SPNS initiative.
People who are unstably housed
Retention in HIV medical care; Beyond the care continuum
Support service delivery model
The Oregon Health Authority awarded contracts to local public health authorities across the state to work with community partners to integrate early intervention services and outreach services, link people to HIV care, and provide support to help clients reach viral suppression. Quick linkage to care resulted in a median of 57 days to viral suppression for Early Intervention Services and Outreach clients in 2019.
People with HIV who are not in care; People with undiagnosed HIV
HIV diagnosis; Linkage to HIV medical care
Support service delivery model
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Center for Care of Infectious Diseases, Pittsburgh Area Center for Treatment (PACT) began implementing the Food Assistance Program in August 2017 to serve as a supplemental resource for people with HIV receiving care who experience food insecurity. The program helps bridge gaps in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and monthly food costs while promoting access to healthy foods and retention in HIV care.
People experiencing food insecurity
Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression; Beyond the care continuum
Support service delivery model
Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc., a network of community health centers serving Southern Mississippi, uses data-driven quality improvement techniques to identify youth who are not virally suppressed or have missed appointments. Medical case managers use a client checklist to identify and address barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and medical care adherence. They also use a health literacy visual illustration tool to help youth understand the effects of ART on viral suppression. The intervention strategy was successful in improving viral suppression rates for youth.
Quality improvement; Support service delivery model
Expanded housing and employment opportunities for people with HIV contributed to positive housing, earned income, and viral suppression outcomes for clients.
Evidence-Informed Intervention
People who are unstably housed
Viral suppression; Beyond the care continuum
Support service delivery model
San Joaquin County Public Health Services Department partnered with the California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS to help clients get to medical appointments via ridesharing. Representing the first partnership between a jurisdiction and a ridesharing company, this program addresses transportation barriers, promotes engagement in medical care, and leads to cost savings.
Retention in HIV medical care
Support service delivery model
Caracole, an AIDS Service Organization, uses three interconnected approaches to improve retention in HIV care: housing first, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing. Clients in permanent supportive housing had high rates of viral suppression, exceeding Caracole's goal of 75%.
People who are unstably housed
Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression; Beyond the care continuum
Support service delivery model