Implementation of Community Health Worker-mediated services for Re-Engagement to care and outreach for persons with HIV in Rural Communities - Project Title: Re-Engagement to Care and Outreach for Persons with HIV in Rural Communities (REACH: Rural Re-Engagement and Care using CHWs for Persons with HIV) Applicant Organization Name: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Address: 2100 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201 Project Director Name: Ali Mansaray, Director STD/HIV/Viral Hepatitis Division, Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Contact Phone Numbers (Voice, Fax): 803-898-0625, 803-898-0573 Email Address: mansarab@dhec.sc.gov Purpose: The South Carolina REACH program aims to enhance linkage, reengagement, and retention in care, including behavioral health services, for over 100 individuals with previous HIV diagnoses residing in rural areas. This initiative involves deploying a community health worker model facilitated by health departments in collaboration with educational, clinical, and behavioral health providers. Focus Areas: The utilization of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in re-engaging people living with HIV and currently out of HIV medical care in rural settings and linking them back to comprehensive HIV medical care that includes behavioral and mental health services. Outcomes: The overarching goals of this proposal involve the implementation of a Community Health Worker-mediated service model. The anticipated outcomes include a reduction in HIV incidence in rural communities, reduced HIV-related morbidity and mortality, lower costs associated with HIV testing and care services, decreased stigma and medical mistrust, and an increase in viral suppression. Funding: The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) seeks $500,000 annually for 3 years to execute the South Carolina REACH program (Rural Re-Engagement and Care using CHWs for Persons with HIV).
