Ryan White Title III HIV Capacity Development and Planning Grants - Christian Community Health Center (CCHC) seeks to enhance its telehealth services to better serve People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in underserved communities on Chicago's South Side and surrounding areas. Despite significant strides in HIV care, access to healthcare remains a challenge, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. CCHC aims to bridge this gap by leveraging telehealth technology to provide high-quality care to those most in need. With a service area predominantly composed of low-income, African American communities, CCHC has been a beacon of hope since its founding in 1991. Over the years, it has evolved into a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), offering a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services, including family medicine, pediatrics, OB/Gyn, oral health, and behavioral health services. Additionally, CCHC has been a steadfast provider in HIV care, with more than 30 years of experience in providing Ryan White services. In response to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, CCHC has swiftly adapted its services, expanding its telehealth capabilities to ensure continuity of care for PLWHA. However, barriers such as limited internet access and technological literacy among patients have hindered widespread adoption of telehealth. To address these challenges, CCHC is seeking funding to further enhance its telehealth infrastructure, particularly at its newly opened Lansing clinic location. The proposed project aims to create telehealth areas equipped with essential medical devices, allowing patients to participate in virtual visits even without personal internet access or technological proficiency. By extending telehealth services to these communities, CCHC aims to overcome barriers to access and improve health outcomes for PLWHA. The project will build upon existing telehealth initiatives, drawing inspiration from successful implementation models such as the phased approach used by Pinellas County Health Care for the Homeless. CCHC's telehealth-equipped areas will empower patients to self-administer basic diagnostic tests under the guidance of telehealth providers, supported by non-clinical staff. Metrics such as the number of scheduled appointments, kept visits, and outreach encounters will be used to assess the impact of the enhanced telehealth services. By leveraging telehealth technology, CCHC aims to expand access to high-quality HIV primary care services, particularly for low-income, uninsured, and underserved populations. In summary, CCHC's project represents a crucial step towards addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS care. Through innovative telehealth solutions, CCHC remains committed to its mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care to all, regardless of their ability to pay.
