Saturday, September 7, 2024
9/7/2024
The purpose of the HIV/Viral hepatitis Screening, Treatment, and Prevention at the Jefferson Bridge Program is to provide fully integrated SUD/HIV/Viral hepatitis care to racial and ethnic medically underserved adults (18+) in Philadelphia who are experiencing homelessness with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (COD) who are at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS, and others with complex care needs facing multiple service gaps. Leveraging Jeffersons extensive infrastructure to reduce the prevalence of substance use disorders, HIV, and viral hepatitis while increasing access and linkage to HIV treatment for people with a SUD that are living with HIV, this program will address complex acute and chronic care needs and provide care coordination with the services of a large medical center. The Bridge Program infrastructure will use MOUD, primary care, motivational interviewing, telehealth, and peer services as the cornerstone to close multiple service gaps in this exceptionally vulnerable population. The project will provide MOUD services to 625 people over five years. (75 people in year 1, 100 in year 2, and 150 in years 3-5). The three main goals of this project include 1) To increase access to and retention within MOUD/SUD treatment for racial and ethnic medically underserved adults experiencing homelessness and/or with complex acute and chronic care needs through an assertive, low-barrier approach; 2) To increase access to and retention in HIV/HCV screening/prevention/treatment for people from underserved racial or ethnic groups who are experiencing homelessness with complex acute and chronic care needs; and 3) To increased access to and retention in primary, behavioral, and specialty infectious disease healthcare for racial and ethnic medically underserved adults focusing on those experiencing homelessness and/or with complex care needs. Core program objectives include 1) offering 100% of program participants being offered screening, prevention, and treatment for HIV and viral Hepatitis and (if needed) immediate referral for confirmatory testing and treatment for themselves and their partners 2) 100% of participants will be offered testing for hepatitis B and C and referred as necessary for treatment 3)100% of HIV-negative participants who meet CDC criteria will be provided with information about PrEP and (if interested) immediate access to a PrEP provider. Innovative telehealth strategies and community partnerships with local methadone, peer services, and housing organizations will support objective achievement. The population of focus will be meaningfully engaged in developing and designing services and ensuring that individuals across all racial/ethnic groups and housing statuses have equal access to and retention in these services.
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).
