Epidaurus dba Amity Foundation’s Almas de Amistad project (Almas) proposes this project to increase engagement in care for racial and ethnic minority women with substance use disorders and or co-occurring substance use and mental disorders who are at risk for HIV or are HIV positive that receive HIV/AIDS services/treatment in Albuquerque Metropolitan Area inclusive the Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos, and the Santo Domingo Pueblo, both federally recognized tribes. Almas will provide a women-specific, trauma-informed, evidence based substance abuse and trauma curriculum (Seeking Safety) group and individual counseling; veteran-specific groups, 12-step meetings; referrals; onsite rapid HIV testing, referrals for confirmatory testing and treatment; referrals for viral hepatitis B and C testing and treatment referrals; referrals for hepatitis A & B Vaccinations; evidence-base interventions for HIV/AIDS (Amigas), assistance with finding housing; adult basic education including GED prep classes, tutoring and testing; access to vocational training; workshops; and job readiness. In addition, women will receive parenting classes, family sessions, and seminars on women-specific topics such as domestic violence. Almas will also provide referrals for primary medical care, prenatal education and care, childcare education services, mental health services, and, as needed, housing assistance, food and clothing assistance, education and vocational assessments and placements as well as other wrap around services. Treatment length will vary from 3 to 12 months. Almas will collaborate with community based outreach partners that are rooted in the culture of our population of focus to conduct outreach. All of Almas’ services will be bilingual (Spanish/English) and will be inclusive of individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, literacy, sexual orientation, or disability. The unduplicated total of women we plan to serve is 450 over three years (90 per year). Expected objectives/outcomes are:
• 90% of clients demonstrating risky behaviors for HIV will receive HIV rapid preliminary antibody testing at enrollment in accordance with state and local requirements
• 100% of clients testing positive will receive HIV confirmatory testing and status follow-up and medical care within 30 days
• 75% will be compliant with ART medications and will be virally suppressed
• 75% of clients engaged in care for HIV will be compliant with recommended treatment
• 90% of clients demonstrating risky behaviors for Hep B&C will receive Hep B&C testing;
• 90% clients testing negative for Hep B will be receive Hep A & B vaccinations
• 75% will report decrease or abstinence in substance use
• 75% of those with intake HITS score over 10 will report decreased HITS score at 6mo follow-up (decrease of IPV risk)
• 75% of women served at Almas will report an increase in condom usage
