Atlanta black GAY men's collective HIV prevention program - the HIV linkage and RE-engagement needs of black men who have SEX with men (bmsm) newly diagnosed with HIV or previously positive but…

Atlanta black GAY men's collective HIV prevention program - the HIV linkage and RE-engagement needs of black men who have SEX with men (bmsm) newly diagnosed with HIV or previously positive but dropped out of care are complex as they are often fraught with having to deal with a multiplicity of structural barriers. These structural barriers are best addressed by trained professionals with the knowledge and skill set to assess and provide short term therapeutic interventions, working with peer-based intervention specialists to link bmsm into systems of HIV medical care. Inherent in this is the need for regular and ongoing peer support in the formative months of linkage or RE-engagement, to address cultural predilections to avoid health systems and encourage the development of improved relationships with ongoing medical care. The black GAY men?s collective (bgmc) will address the testing, linkage and medical adherence challenges faced by bmsm above by providing 1) integrated HIV, STI and hepatitis testing, 2) linkage to care, 3) medical adherence support (including access to essential support services), and 4) comprehensive prevention services (npep; prep; risk-reduction interventions; provision of essential support services; and condom distribution and education), that are delivered by bmsm, to bmsm. The bgmc is a newly formed collaborative that brings together atlanta?s two largest black GAY HIV service organizations to better tackle the unique testing, linkage and medical adherence challenges faced by bmsm in this metropolis.