Project Title: AR-CHIPP
Applicant Organization Name: ARcare
Address: 117 South 2nd Street/P.O. Box 497 Augusta, AR 72006
Project Director Name: Dr. Steven Collier, CEO
Contact Phone #: 870-347-2534 Fax: 870-347-2882
Email Address: steven.collier@arcare.net
Website: www.arcare.net
Grant Program Funds Requested: $470,000
Project Description: The proposed project will allow ARcare to enhance and expand its HIV prevention efforts in three of the largest counties in Arkansas including Craighead, Pulaski, and Washington. These areas also have high rates of HIV positive individuals who have not established care. The proposed project will host/attend venue-based testing events as well as large-scale events such as PRIDE. Services at these events will include integrated testing performed by ARcare staff or partners such as the Arkansas Department of Health and condom distribution, referrals to Partner Services, Prevention and Essential Support Services, and PrEP. Testing will also be provided in the ARcare medical clinics and Service Access Centers. This funding will allow ARcare to educate appropriate clinic personnel on HIV testing, integrated screenings, workflows for linkage to HIV medical care and referral processes for necessary services/resources. HIV positive individuals will be assigned to a Community Health Worker for linkage to care and other appropriate services. The CHW will continue to provide support and follow-up communications with the client to ensure he/she meets the medical provider within 30 days of diagnosis or re-engagement.
Anticipated Short-term Outcomes and Long-term Impact of Project: ARcare anticipates the activities implemented through the proposed project will result in the following outcomes: 1) Increased number of persons who are aware of their HIV status, 2) Increased number of persons receiving integrated screenings, 3) Increased receipt of HIV medical care & ART among persons with newly diagnosed HIV, 4) Increased receipt of HIV medical care among persons with previously diagnosed HIV & not in care, 5) Increased access to Partner Services, 6) Increased medication adherence among persons with HIV, 7) Increased access to prevention and essential support services among persons with HIV or those at high-risk for contracting HIV, 8) Increased access to PrEP, 9) Increased availability of condoms, and 10) Improved response to HIV transmission clusters and outbreaks. The Long-term Impact of the proposed project will be significant. Over the five-year period, the proposed project will impact the target population and communities we serve by reducing new HIV infections, improving the health outcomes for persons with a HIV diagnosis, reducing HIV-related health disparities, and reducing death rates among persons diagnosed with HIV.