Friday, April 26, 2024
4/26/2024
The Matrix Institute will expand and enhance effective, culturally competent Outpatient Treatment (OPT) for substance use disorder (SUD) among injection heroin users who are African American and Latino/Hispanic in South Los Angeles, reducing their drug use and risk and incidence of HIV and viral hepatitis. The TCE-HIV Program will increase access to behavioral and primary medical care for 540 individuals over the five years of the project. Evidence-based practices, including Matrix Model groups, Seeking Safety treatment for women, and Motivational Interviewing are embedded in an outpatient methadone treatment setting specifically to address drug use, resistance to HIV and hepatitis testing, to increase recognition of HIV risk behaviors, and to promote on-site Rapid HIV testing, and hepatitis B and C testing, both with counseling and referral to medical treatment as indicated. Expanded services will consist of current, high quality, methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), for individuals who are without public or private insurance and have the inability to pay for treatment. Enhanced services will consist of Matrix Model groups, Seeking Safety, and HIV and hepatitis C education groups. Specialized women's and men's groups will be provided with education and counseling interventions designed to address the HIV and hepatitis risks associated with substance use and high-risk sexual behavior. Participants will be afforded medical care, including comprehensive hepatitis treatment, through a formalized agreement with St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, a nearby licensed FQHC. Licensed therapists will screen for mental health disorders using a standardized instrument, and will provide linkages to specialty care. Transportation assistance and case management will help ensure follow- through care with community providers. The TCE-HIV Program anticipated target population is 75% African-American and Hispanic, 41% female, and having heroin use histories of nearly 20 years on the average. Expanded services will provide ongoing treatment to a continuing census of 30 clients at any time, or 180 over five years. Enhanced services will be provided to 360 clients in the 5-year period, 120 in the first year and 60 each year thereafter. The Goals of this project are: HIV and hepatitis B and C testing and counseling for at least 90% of clients served, with case management for clients who test preliminary and confirmatory positive; a reduction in injection drug use of greater than 50% at 6-month follow-up; abstinence from drugs and alcohol by more than 75% at 6-months; increased involvement in employment and education by at least 25% at 6-months; a 25% improvement in social connectedness and a 25% improvement in housing status at 6-months; and increased access to primary care and mental health services. A robust network of community providers in South Los Angeles ensures that participants receive integrated care. The Matrix Institute has delivered TCE/HIV funded services successfully for sixteen years through 2017, allowing the agency to begin these proposed services uninterrupted, on notice of funding.
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).
