Tuesday, May 13, 2025
5/13/2025
Yo Creo En Mi Program - Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas (VOACC) propose a Minority AIDS Initiative for High Risk Populations within its Yo Creo En Mi program, a behavioral health program serving Latinx living with SUD, COD, and/or HIV in the District of Columbia, identified as one of the localities hardest hit by the HIV epidemic. Hispanic and Latinx individuals are disproportionately affected by HIV in DC and face structural socio-cultural barriers to care that may prevent effective and timely treatment and prevention. VOACC will respond to the need for culturally competent, consumer-focused HIV/Viral Hepatitis testing, prevention, and treatment by integrating these services with behavioral health and supportive services that promote stability and long-term positive health outcomes. In conjunction with community partners, Yo Creo En Mi will serve 550 unduplicated individuals over the project period through mechanisms such as mobile outreach and testing; HIV prevention and counseling; rapid referrals to treatment and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; screening and assessment for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, SUD counseling and medication assisted treatment (MAT); peer support and recovery support services; and peer/patient navigation services. Using targeted case management and other evidence-based outreach and treatment approaches, VOACC will meet the target population where they are and use inclusive strategies to promote positive behavioral and physical health. In the District of Columbia, Latinx individuals fare worse along the HIV continuum of care. While 80% of whites are linked to care within 30 days of diagnosis, only 72% of Hispanic/Latinx individuals experienced such linkages. They are also less likely to experience retainment in care (68% compared to an average of 73% across all races and ethnicities) and a lower proportion of the population is virally suppressed (63% of Latinx individuals compared to 80% of all persons living with HIV within DC). While the area has implemented several strategies to combat the HIV epidemic, structural and cultural barriers still exist to prevent and treat HIV in communities of color. Additionally, 11.9% of Latinx/Hispanic individuals are uninsured, making them the largest demographic group lacking access to affordable healthcare. To reduce the burden of HIV and behavioral health disorders on the target population, VOACC and its community partners will achieve the following goals: (1) Increase, expand, and strengthen the capacity of VOACC to provide integrated SUD, COD, and HIV prevention and treatment to Latinx individuals living in all wards of Washington, D.C. through measurable mechanisms such as screening and assessment, treatment retainment, and reported abstinence and compliance to ART; (2) Reduce barriers to recovery by addressing culturally-specific needs while promoting diversity and inclusion in service delivery through measurable mechanisms as implementing culturally relevant mobile outreach and harm reduction services and hiring Spanish as a first language/bilingual staff; and (3) Formalize processes that meet the needs of the target population, improve consumer retention, and promote continuous quality improvement through actions such as formalizing linkages with community partners and reviewing EBP protocols for fidelity and cultural relevance. Key linkages with community-based partners Nova Salud and the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs will allow VOACC to conduct outreach, deliver services where they are most needed, and improve consumer satisfaction and retention in care. Through the Yo Creo En Mi Program, VOACC and its partners will create a rich continuum of care that begins with prevention and engages consumers through early intervention, treatment, and recovery/continuing care. Recovery support and wraparound services will promote positive behavioral and physical health outcomes.
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).