Monday, May 13, 2024
5/13/2024
The University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri Institute of Mental Health (UMSL-MIMH) will deliver an integrated substance use and HIV/AIDS prevention intervention to minority youth ages 13-24, especially those at highest risk of HIV and substance use disorders. The project proposes to use a navigation approach to expedite services for these populations. The project entitled the Substance Use and HIV Prevention Navigator Program for Racial/Ethnic Minorities, will allow UMSL-MIMH to partner with local health departments and other social services organization to create infrastructure that will increase HIV and STD testing and access to care for minority youth ages 13-24 and particularly African Americans. African American youth show vulnerability to violence, accidents, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, tobacco use, drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, as well as risk factors that lead to heart disease and cancer later on in life such as inadequate physical activity, smoking and poor nutritional habits. UMSL-MIMH’s integrated prevention intervention will help meet some of these challenges faced by African American youth by employing substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention education workshops utilizing evidence-based practices coupled with the development and promotion of social media campaigns by project participants. Additionally, a lead community navigator program staff personnel will conduct extensive outreach and assist the population of focus in receiving culturally appropriate supportive services, care and HIV treatment. The individual will also perform follow-up activities to ensure participants are engaged and retained in treatment. The intervention will serve a total of 105 youth in Years 1 and 5 and 150 youth in Years 2, 3 and 4 for a total of 660 across a five-year span. Measurable outcomes include: 1) Increased knowledge about substance abuse and HIV; 2) Increased number of youth ages 13-24 tested and/or referred for substance abuse or HIV services; 3) Decreased substance use; and 4) Increased community capacity to provide substance abuse and HIV prevention services. The project is also designed to promote positive prevention messages via the social media campaigns.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
