Bienestar Human Services Prevention Navigator Program - Project Summary: Bienestar Human Services (BIENESTAR), a community-based provider of integrated health services, is applying for funding to address health disparities and service gaps in Los Angeles County among Latinx, with a focus on young and older LGBTQ+ adults at high-risk for SUD and HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and/or other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). With roots in the HIV/AIDS crisis, BIENESTAR has always emphasized engagement with marginalized Latinx community members, including people who identify as LGBTQ+, are HIV positive or at elevated risk for HIV/AIDS, or who have SUD or co-occurring mental health conditions and SUD (COD). Through culturally sensitive bilingual/bicultural programs and high community visibility, BIENESTAR will leverage our strong presence and current programs. Geographic Catchment Area: Los Angeles County, of southern California. Specifically three Service Planning Areas (SPA) of Los Angeles County including: 1) San Gabriel Valley (Pomona, SPA 3); 2) South Los Angeles (SPA 6); and 3) East Los Angeles (SPA 7) where HIV prevalence among the population of focus remains high. Project Name: Bienestar Human Services Prevention Navigator Program. Populations to be served: Racial and ethnic minority populations, specifically Latinx young and older adults (age 18+) who are at substantial risk for HIV infection, Viral Hepatitis, and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as well as SUD, or COD. We plan to emphasize men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) as well as those who identify as LGBTQ+. Number to be served: Year 1: 48; Year 2: 96; Year 3: 96 Year 4: 96; Year 5: 96 Life of project: 432. Project strategies/interventions: BIENESTAR will use a combination of several evidence-based- interventions, including Motivational Interviewing, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, and Medicated-Assisted Treatment. Project goals and measurable objectives: Our project goals include: increase HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and other STI prevention outreach activities to minority populations, such as those who identify as Latinx and/or LGBTQ+; increase SUD treatment, including harm reduction services, for the population of focus; increase access to HIV and other STI prevention services and SUD treatment for those who are homeless; increase access to linguistically and culturally competent HIV and other STI prevention services and SUD treatment for those who identify as Latinx and/or LGBTQ+. Measurable objectives are as follows: 1) Each grant year, screen 100% of individuals participating in the program for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and other STIs. Of those who test positive, 75% will accept a referral for medical treatment; 2) Each grant year, offer Peer Navigation services to 100% of individuals who test positive for HIV, of these, 75% will accept our linkages to care; 3) Each grant year, of those referred for PrEP or PEP, 60% will attend the appointment and fill their prescription; 4) Each grant year, screen 85% of individuals participating in the program for substance abuse; of these, 50% with need will accept a referral for SUD treatment; 5) Each grant year, of those referred for harm reduction supplies/education, 60% will attend the appointment or obtain the referred service; 6) Each grant year, participate in or host three community events for outreach and raising awareness of services; 7) Staff will conduct community-based street outreach to high-risk homeless populations, making 100 contacts per grant year; 8) Each grant year, make four social media posts per month, to reach 500 individuals by the end of the year. Posts will be in Spanish and English; 9) Each grant year, we will distribute 5,000 printed educational materials (pamphlets, brochures, etc.) in Spanish and English at strategic outreach locations throughout the community.
