Wednesday, May 21, 2025
5/21/2025
OP EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES WITH RESPECT TO HIV DISEASE - Proposed Project and Needs: In Los Angeles County, there are approximately 53,599 people living with diagnosed HIV, and an additional 6,800 people are estimated to be living with HIV but undiagnosed. The County sees close to 1,500 new HIV infections each year. Venice Family Clinic serves the County’s Service Planning Area (SPA) 5, where over 2,500 individuals are living with HIV. Homelessness also remains a significant issue in Los Angeles County and in SPA 5. Though only a small number of those experiencing homelessness in SPA 5 were living with HIV, that number saw a 13% increase in one year, a continuing trend we have seen for several years. Further, many living with HIV also contend with current or past drug or alcohol disorders, and rates for co-morbidities, including sexually transmitted infections, have also continued to increase throughout the county. Proposed Services: Venice Family Clinic requests funds to support our Common Ground program, the only provider of health care, mental health support, and case management in SPA 5 for people living with HIV. Clients in the program have access to a full range of care, including HIV diagnosis, treatment, medications, risk reduction counseling, psychosocial services, referral and partner testing and counseling, medical and non-medical case management, and syringe services. This is in addition to comprehensive services at Venice Family Clinic, including primary care, behavioral health, dental services, vision, prenatal care, various specialty health services, health education, health insurance enrollment support, a free food program, case management, and more. The Common Ground program is vital to HIV prevention and quality care for our community. We request $299,291 annually to continue supporting our HIV services. Population Served: Common Ground’s target population, those living with or most at-risk for contracting HIV, reflects the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic makeup of those infected with HIV across Los Angeles County. Of Common Ground’s HIV program clients, 30% are Latino/Hispanic; 24% Black; and 43% White. 76% identified as male, 21% as female, and 3% as transgender. 40% contracted HIV as men having sex with men (MSM); 18% through intravenous drug use (including MSM); and 38% contracted the virus through heterosexual contact. The remaining 5% contracted the virus in other ways. 80% live below 100% of the federal poverty level and 17% live below 200%. 31% experience homelessness.
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).