The RWHAP Best Practices Compilation gathers and disseminates interventions that improve outcomes along the HIV care continuum. Explore the Compilation to find inspiration and new ideas for improving the care of people with HIV. Learn more about the Best Practices Compilation and submit your innovation today for possible inclusion.
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Howard Brown Health established a specialized drop-in clinic and support groups, and implemented organizational initiatives to provide culturally relevant and gender-affirming services for transgender and non-binary people, including transgender women of color. The goal of this intervention was to optimize engagement in HIV services and primary care. From 2012-2021, the number of transgender and non-binary people served in primary care at Howard Brown Health more than tripled. In addition, after 24 months, participants were more likely to have been prescribed ART and to be virally suppressed than at baseline.
Evidence-Informed Intervention
Transgender women
Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Clinical service delivery model
Chicago, IL
Project CONNECT uses linkage coordinators to effectively engage people in HIV medical care. It focuses on people with newly diagnosed HIV or people with HIV who are transferring their care or have been out of care. AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland implemented Project CONNECT as part of E2i, an initiative funded by the RWHAP Part F SPNS program from 2017–2021. Project CONNECT was successful in increasing the number of clients retained in HIV care and who reached viral suppression.
Evidence-Informed Intervention
People with a new diagnosis of HIV; Black gay and bisexual men; People with HIV who are not in care
Retention in HIV medical care; Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Support service delivery model
Cleveland, OH
Collaborative Care Management (CoCM) integrates mental health and primary care, with a care team of a primary care provider, behavioral health care manager, and psychiatric consultant. Together they provide comprehensive and coordinated care to people with HIV who have co-occurring depression or other psychiatric disorders. Four sites implemented CoCM as part of E2i, an initiative funded by the RWHAP Part F SPNS program from 2017–2021. CoCM led to statistically significant increases in antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescription and viral suppression.
Evidence-Based Intervention
People with diagnosed mental illness
Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Retention in HIV medical care; Viral suppression
Clinical service delivery model
Washington, DC
Baton Rouge, LA
Detroit, MI
Tulsa, OK
Trauma-Informed Approach & Coordinated HIV Assistance and Navigation for Growth and Empowerment (TIA/CHANGE) was developed by HIV experts in collaboration with community members to improve health outcomes among people with HIV. Using a strength-based approach to HIV service provision, TIA/CHANGE offers guidance and structure for an organization to become trauma-informed. TIA/CHANGE includes enrollment of clients in trauma-informed intensive case management services. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium implemented TIA/CHANGE as part of E2i, an initiative funded by the RWHAP Part F SPNS program from 2017–2021. Among clients participating in TIA/CHANGE there were improvements in prescription of ART and viral suppression.
Evidence-Informed Intervention
People with a history of trauma; American Indian/Alaska Native people
Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Support service delivery model; Systems/structural interventions
Anchorage, AK
Tailored Motivational Interviewing (TMI) delivers brief motivational interviewing counseling sessions customized to encourage people with HIV to engage in HIV care, take HIV medications as prescribed, and improve other health-related behaviors. Three sites implemented TMI as part of E2i, an initiative funded by the RWHAP Part F SPNS program from 2017 to 2021. Clients who participated in TMI had significant improvement in engagement in care, prescription of antiretroviral therapy, retention in care, and viral suppression.
Evidence-Based Intervention
Black/African American people; Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); Youth ages 13 to 24; Young adults ages 25 to 34
Linkage to HIV medical care; Retention in HIV medical care; Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Support service delivery model
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Macon, GA
Jackson, MS
Text Me, Girl! is a text messaging intervention that aims to improve linkage to and retention in HIV care, increase adherence to HIV medications, and improve viral suppression and other health outcomes among transgender women ages 18–34 years. The intervention supports young transgender women with HIV, particularly those experiencing barriers to care such as periods of homelessness and/or incarceration, substance misuse, or engaging in sex work. Text Me, Girl! participation was associated with statistically significant improvements in antiretroviral therapy uptake and adherence, and self-reported viral suppression.
Evidence-Informed Intervention
Transgender women
Prescription of antiretroviral therapy; Viral suppression
Use of technology and mobile health
Los Angeles, CA