The BASS project, providing integrated substance use and mental health services and HIV, STI and hepatitis testing, treatment, and prevention services to MSM, and trans- and CIS-gender women of color.…

The BASS project, providing integrated substance use and mental health services and HIV, STI and hepatitis testing, treatment, and prevention services to MSM, and trans- and CIS-gender women of color. - the oakland, california-based california prostitutes education project (CAL-PEP) proposes to implement BAY area safe space (BASS), a program of integrated substance use and mental health services and HIV, STI and hepatitis testing, treatment, and prevention services that is directed toward some of the highest risk and most highly underserved populations in california. BASS will be a multi-dimensional, high-impact, non-traditional, peer-centered program that is specifically directed toward high-risk men who have SEX with men (MSM) of color, trans-gender women of color, and CIS-gender women of color living in alameda county, with a special emphasis on african americans, commercial SEX workers, and the homeless (populations that CAL-PEP already preferentially serves). The program will bring about significant reductions in the number of new HIV infections in our region while reducing substance use and improving the health and well- being among a group of extremely disadvantaged, underserved, and low-income individuals. The program will build upon our existing safe spaces for MSM of color and transgender women of color in the hard-HIT city of oakland, california. Alameda county is one of the hardest HIT localities identified in appendix M of theti-22-004 funding opportunity announcement. BASS will provide integrated, peer-based outreach that reaches at least 900 high-risk individuals in our region. At least 420 of these individuals will be enrolled in a program of integrated, samhsa-funded substance use treatment and HIV prevention services - including access to prep medications - that incorporate comprehensive case management, peer-based support, and other services. The goals of this program are to 1) reduce HIV infection and transmission rates among the priority populations; 2) reduce alcohol and illicit drug use, and prescription drug misuse among the priority populations; 3) increase the access of the priority populations to appropriate and effective substance use disorder, and CO-occurring substance use and mental disorder treatment; 5) increase the access of the priority populations to HIV/viral hepatitis testing and other services; and 6) educate and assist the priority populations to empower themselves to make informed decisions about their behavioral health. IT will accomplish this by implementing the following evidence-based interventions: seeking safety, peer recovery support services, and motivational interviewing. These evidence-based interventions will be augmented by state and county sanctioned HIV, viral hepatitis and STI testing/screening performed by CAL-PEP. The evidence-based interventions also will be augmented by routine screening for mental health disorders.