Ryan White Title III HIV Capacity Development and Planning Grants - Project and Need to be Addressed: Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) is applying for the RWHAP Part C Capacity Development Program under the HIV Care Innovation – integration of HIV primary care with behavioral health care category. The purpose of our project is to enhance access to high quality HIV primary care services for low-income, uninsured, and underserved people with HIV (PWH) by supporting retention to care and achievement and maintenance of viral suppression for PWH through integration of behavioral health care with HIV services. The performance period will be from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. FHCSD has federal Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations in primary care, dental care, and mental health. Of all PWH referred to behavioral health services, only 33% of HIV+ FHCSD patients complete at least one appointment through the referral. Lack of behavioral health access can negatively affect a patient’s HIV treatment regimen when depression, substance use disorder, and other needs are not addressed. PWH in San Diego both demonstrate a significant demand for behavioral health services, and a necessity for services to support positive treatment outcomes. FHCSD is requesting funding preference based on Qualification 2: Underserved Populations. Proposed Services: FHCSD is requesting $150,000 to implement the proposed project. The proposed project will 1) determine patient needs with an HIV and Behavioral Health Needs Assessment; 2) enhance behavioral health appointments for PWH; and 3) train HIV and Behavioral Health service providers and staff on the behavioral health needs of PWH. FHCSD will collaborate with San Diego State University Research Foundation: Institute for Public Health to develop the Needs Assessment. FHCSD will work with The San Diego LGBT Center and The Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center to provide trainings to current providers and staff. The proposed behavioral health integration project will be a part of a comprehensive, holistic approach to ensure PWH get and stay healthy. Population Groups to be Served: The priority population of this project is low-income, uninsured, and underserved PWH living in San Diego. FHCSD serves over 159,000 patients annually, including over 26,000 people experiencing homelessness, over 21,000 behavioral health patients, and over 1,400 PWH. 89% of FHCSD patients are low-income and 75% are considered impoverished. People with high risk of HIV include men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, people who inject drugs, communities of color (Latinos and African Americans), and justice-involved individuals. Low-income, uninsured/under-insured, and medically underserved PWH are particularly vulnerable and face challenges accessing behavioral health care due to uninsurance/under-insurance, lack of financial resources, transportation issues, lack of childcare, and longstanding stigma associated with an HIV diagnosis. Behavioral healthcare support helps motivate patients to stay in treatment and supports improved quality of life for PWH.
