Monday, May 19, 2025
5/19/2025
Eradicating Racism and Striving for Excellence in HIV Care (ERASE). - For 31 years, East Bay AIDS Center (EBAC) has been improving health outcomes for people living with HIV and those at-risk, as the most comprehensive service provider in Oakland, California. With PS21-2102 funds, EBAC proposes to scale up a successful pilot program, Eradicating Racism and Striving for Excellence in HIV Care (ERASE), the first program in the region to specifically focus on addressing structural barriers Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) ages 17+ face in accessing care. ERASE will use a bold, innovative approach to service delivery, moving the needle significantly in reducing new infections, increasing access to care, and promoting health equity for BMSM and their networks in the San Francisco Bay Area’s East Bay region. Weaving together a set of evidence-based, culturally-responsive, and client-centered approaches in a “status-neutral” framework, EBAC anticipates providing 500 tests to BMSM unaware of their HIV status, linking 75 BMSM to HIV prevention services (including PrEP and nPEP), and linking 75 BMSM to antiretroviral HIV therapy each year. ERASE’s core program model includes: intensive HIV and health navigation services regardless of HIV status; multi-pronged testing strategies including mobile, on-site, and integrated screenings; dedicated case management and social work services to connect clients to all available resources; a “clinic without walls” model that reduces barriers for BMSM; targeted community outreach strategies; and regional collaboration among partners in the local HIV prevention ecosystem. EBAC will leverage extensive existing healthcare and administrative infrastructure, including in-house clinical services, a specialty pharmacy, laboratory services, benefits enrollment specialists, mental health and substance use services, health education and preventative services, urgent care/emergency department, primary and specialty medical care, and anon-call physician, all under one roof. We will leverage EBAC’s ongoing roles and relationships with the Alameda County Public Health Department, California Department of Public Health, East Bay Getting to Zero coalition, Family Care Network, and others to promote an effective regional response, working strategically to augment and maximize existing prevention and treatment efforts.
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).