Saturday, April 27, 2024
4/27/2024
LGBT Life Center proposes to serve African American and Multi-Racial MSM, inclusive of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic persons, 30 to 64 years of age (MSM of color 30+) who live in the eastern region of Virginia known locally as Hampton Roads which is inclusive of the Virginia cities represented in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News VA-NC MSA. LGBT Life Center will provide targeted HIV testing using a rapid-rapid testing protocol to ensure timely linkage to HIV medical care. Self-testing will be made available when necessary. Over 5 years, 2,000 HIV tests will occur at office locations, at venues that serve the population, and through mobile van testing. One large-scale event will be planned each year. 75% of those tested will be members of the target population. Several promotion, outreach, and recruitment strategies will be implemented including use of traditional outreach, use of social networks including those who use social media or mobile phone apps, and social marketing. Through social media and social marketing, we intend to achieve 17,500,000 impressions over the 5-year project. The project will use a designated safe space through the agency's community center location in Norfolk, VA. Limited Incentives will be used to encourage HIV testing. Integrated STI/Viral Hepatitis screening will occur through the use of point of care tests. 90% of those tested for HIV will be screened for STI/Viral Hepatitis. Persons with HIV who are identified through the NOFO will be referred to ARTAS for linkage to care. We propose to identify 45 persons who are newly diagnosed over the course of the 5-year project with 90% linked to care within 30 days of test. ARTAS navigators also will serve newly diagnosed and out of care persons who are identified through non-NOFO testing programs or referrals. We expect to serve 125 persons with HIV through these non-NOFO referrals over 5 years. Referrals for partner services and medication adherence programs will be provided as part of navigation. LGBT Life Center proposes to implement PROMISE, a community level intervention, for persons with HIV. Through community identification, role models and peer advocates will be recruited to create and disseminate stories regarding healthy behaviors. Three stage-based stories will be created annually and distributed through print and online media on topics such as linkage to HIV care, disclosure, and medication adherence. Persons who are at-risk for HIV and are identified through NOFO activities will be referred to navigators to screen and link persons to prevention and essential support services including PrEP and nPEP. 70% of persons at-risk will be referred to PrEP. Lastly, we will implement a condom distribution program to improve access, availability, and acceptance of condoms. Condoms will be offered to all persons served through NOFO activities and through identified drop-off locations to reach MSM of color 30+. Annually, we proposed to distribute at least 25,000 under this NOFO. The proposed program compliments existing services in the region in order to ensure a full continuum of services for the target population.
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).
