The women's collective minority aids initiative for washington, DC and prince george's and montgomery county maryland - the women's collective (TWC) is dedicated to providing exclusive programs and…

The women's collective minority aids initiative for washington, DC and prince george's and montgomery county maryland - the women's collective (TWC) is dedicated to providing exclusive programs and services for low-income, black women and girls aged 13 and above in the washington, DC eligible metropolitan area (DC EMA), which encompasses maryland and virginia. TWC holds the distinction of being the sole provider in the region that offers HIV prevention, care, and support services specifically tailored for women, including both cisgender and transgender individuals. TWC's catchment area in the DC EMA for this proposed effort is washington DC and its surrounding suburbs of prince george's county, and montgomery county, maryland - all are identified by samhsa as highly impacted by HIV. DC has some of the highest rates of drug abuse in the nation, often ranking in the top 5 most addicted places. Both mental health and substance use significantly impacts an individual living with HIV/aids. TWC will utilize its key partnerships WTO implement the proposed program, thus increasing TWC's ability to provide more comprehensive services and interventions designed to address the needs of women experiencing HIV and cods and those at risk for HIV. Services will be provided in-house and through TWC's collaborations, referral network, and existing mous. TWC is a ryan white service provider and will leverage those resources, funding, and relationships to ensure prompt implementation of this proposed program (within 2 months of funding award). Along with its in-house services, TWC links women to needed services, such as: 1) primary and infectious disease medical care; 2) insurance navigation and enrollment; 3) mental health services; 4) substance abuse treatment; 5) housing; 6) spiritual supports/pastoral care; 7) harm reduction services; 8) food; 9) transportation; and 10) employment training services.