Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
Project STEER (Stop Transmission through Education, Empowerment, and Resources), proposed by WestCare Pacific Islands, Inc., is a constellation of substance misuse and HIV prevention and treatment services for youth and young people ages 13-24 on the island of Guam, specifically focusing on racial and ethnic minorities of indigenous CHamoru (33.7%), Filipino (26.3%), Chuukese and Caucasian (7% each), and other Asian and Pacific Island ancestry. Guam, the largest and southernmost island in Micronesia, is a diverse, multicultural and multilingual nation English spoken in nearly half of households (43.6%) followed by Filipino (21.2%), CHamoru (17.8%), and other Pacific Island and Asian languages. Nearly half of Guam’s population (44%) is under 25 years old: about one-quarter of the population is aged newborn to 14 and 17% are 15-24. The services of education, testing, and substance use treatment are especially critical on an island where 85% of families with children under 18 live in poverty. More than half of high school students have experienced alcohol and 17% had their first drink before the age of 13, and nearly half have tried marijuana with more than a quarter currently using it. About one-third of high school students report having had sexual activity and one-quarter are currently active. However, the overwhelming majority of students did not use a condom during their last encounter and nearly 80% have never been tested for HIV. On this island, more than half of the diagnosed AIDS cases are in Stage 3. With its partners in the public health system, the two public universities, and the LGBTQI and straight allies organization, STEER will provide crucial counseling, testing, and linkages to services. STEER’s goals, each with measurable objectives, are: 1) Expand capacity of Guam to provide substance misuse and prevention services to the population of focus; 250 minority youth and young people over five years will be counseled and tested for HIV and hepatitis and linked to services; 2) Improve the ability of Guam minority youth to function socially without alcohol and other drugs; 3) Reduce problems related to substance misuse including HIV transmission; and 4) Enhance the capacity of youth to reduce substance misuse and HIV/AIDS transmission through messaging and digital outreach. The evidence-based PRIME for Life intervention will be used to help 500 youth and young adults increase positive decision-making including substance use reduction, and nontraditional site testing for HIV and hepatitis will be supported by Counseling, Testing, and Linkage (CTL) and intensive service coordination to ensure that clients who test positive are supported in care, stay in care, and ultimately achieve viral suppression. STEER aims to create an environment free of stigma or fear and serve as a hub of advocacy and support in the promotion of happiness and health in the lives of youth and young adults on Guam.
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).
