FY 2021 ending the HIV epidemic - primary care HIV prevention - bronxcare health integrated services system INC. (bliss INC.) proposes to increase rates of HIV counseling and testing from an average…

FY 2021 ending the HIV epidemic - primary care HIV prevention - bronxcare health integrated services system INC. (bliss INC.) proposes to increase rates of HIV counseling and testing from an average of 72 per day over the last three years to 150 per day, to prescribe prep to 1,000 new patients annually by primary care physicians and medical specialists and to successfully link a minimum of 90% of HIV-infected patients to ongoing HIV care. This will be achieved through the implementation of a multi-prong approach: - training and collaboration with bliss and community-based primary care providers regarding prep, including engaging patients in discussion and evaluation for appropriateness, prescription related issues (included payment assistance programs) and follow-up. Access to services for HIV-infected patients will also be made available. - outreach and education to community-based organizations throughout the targeted area to provide education to staff and clients about availability of HIV counseling and testing, prep and appropriate follow-up care. HIV testing will be offered on site at some venues, and referrals for testing, prep prescriptions and linkage to care at bliss will be accepted. In some instances, bliss will utilize its mobile unit to reach various parts of the targeted neighborhoods. - social media platforms and print materials will be utilized to reach the target population. - assuring easy access to services at a program space that is at an easily accessible, non-identifiable location, close to public transportation where patients can receive education, HIV counseling and testing, prep prescriptions, follow-up medical care and assistance with those social determinants of health that may impede successful outcomes. - collaboration with existing ryan white and other funded program within bliss and the community, including peer educators who are familiar with the community, the target population and HIV- and prep-related issues. Together these partners will conduct outreach events, home visi TS and activities geared toward recruitment into the program. The proposed program targets the south and central bronx neighborhoods surrounding bliss locations. These neighborhoods continue to bear a disproportionate share of poverty, HIV, covid and other chronic illnesses compared to other neighborhoods in NYC. These are crotona-tremont (ZIP codes: 10453, 10457, 10460), highbridge-morrisania (10451,10452, 10456), hunts point-mott haven (10454,10455,10459,10474) and parts of fordham-bronx park (10458, 10467, 10468) and are designated as health professional shortage and medically underserved areas.