Tuesday, April 29, 2025
4/29/2025
Houston Area Comprehensive High-Impact HIV Prevention Program to Diagnose, Treat, Prevent, and Respond to the HIV Epidemic. - AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. (AFH) proposes to implement CDC PS21-2102 programming that aligns with Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative (EHE): A Plan for America – Diagnose, Treat, Prevent, and Respond. This plan best serves the needs of Houston through comprehensive core and operational activities targeting Black/African American MSM and Hispanic/Latino MSM. For 38 years, Houstonians living with HIV and those at the greatest vulnerability of acquiring HIV and other STIs have chosen AFH for prevention services and education, permanent supportive housing, and other essential support services and resources. AFH is deeply rooted in the Houston community and leverages numerous trusted partnerships with area healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, civic, foundation, and corporate partners, governmental entities, and large-scale testing and outreach events (e.g., Heavy Hitters Pride, Houston Splash, Bunnies on the Bayou, and Pride). In order to maintain quality program delivery, AFH employs a robust evaluation and performance measurement plan that combines accurate and timely data, comprehensive client assessment and feedback, Quality Management Committee guidance and oversight, target population input and participation through our Community Advisory Board, and ongoing active participation in local community planning and advocacy groups. Having provided comprehensive prevention programs for CDC for 10 years, AFH’s long-established infrastructure, capacity, and community partnerships have uniquely positioned AFH as the experienced, capable, and trusted service provider needed to continue delivering the programming proposed herein under CDC PS21-2102 in the Houston area. This project encompasses four core areas of activity to be delivered each year of the project. Diagnose: 1) Provide 550 HIV tests to Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) who are unaware of their HIV status. 2) Provide integrated screening activities including STI (syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia) and Hepatitis C to a minimum of 80% of the target population. Outcomes include increased number who know their HIV status and increased integrated screenings. Treat: 1) Link 90% of newly diagnosed Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino MSM to HIV medical care within 30 days (or sooner with Rapid Start). 2) Re-engage and link 90% of individuals previously diagnosed with HIV and not-in-care to HIV medical care within 30 days. Outcomes include increased access to and retention in medical care and ART, improved adherence, access to Partner Services and essential support. Prevent: 1) Refer 100% of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM receiving a negative HIV test result to AFH’s PrEP-Care services. 2) Distribute 20,000 condoms to Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino MSM. Outcomes include increased uptake for PrEP/nPEP, condoms, and prevention and support. Respond 1) Respond within 30 days to newly identified clusters. In addition to core activities, operational activities include targeted marketing and outreach campaigns, continued relationships with long term partner agencies such as Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Houston Health Department, and continued participation and engagement with the community planning groups and Community Advisory Board.
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).