Ryan White Title III HIV Capacity Development and Planning Grants - Puerto Rico Community Network for Clinical Services, Research and Health Advancement (PRCoNCRA) requests $150,00.00 in funds under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Capacity Development Program to carry out an Emergency Preparedness Project under category 2, Infrastructure Development, to enhance and strengthen the current emergency preparedness and response of the organization. This project implementation will result in the continuity of HIV clinical and supportive services, ensuring access during emergencies, which has a direct impact on adherence of the active clients served at PRCONCRA, and attention to other health situations such as mental health aspects, and other comorbidities. PRCONCRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to people with and at risk for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This organization, established in 1990, has uninterruptedly been providing services to low income, uninsured and underinsured minority populations. In recent years, the organization has enhanced and expanded the offering of services, distributed among its 4 sites in the center of Río Piedras. The main clinical services offered are the outpatient ambulatory HIV Specialty Clinical services, oral care services, Pharmacy, Prevention and Early Intervention services, Case Management, and the new STD specialty clinical services. Since its inception, PRCONCRA has been the safe space for over 900 HIV-positives and over 2000 HIV-negative participants in a very accessible environment. The community area to which it belongs has been an ally in supporting the mission and vision of the organization through collaboration in its activities. Nearby resources such as the State and Municipal Police headquarters, the Fire Station, the Diagnostic and Treatment Center, and the municipal community service offices are the main axis of action and response to emergencies. Strengthening inter-community collaboration between these various agencies is a fundamental pillar for the continuity of services in the face of any disaster. Our proposed emergency preparedness capacity building project seeks to empower staff, program participants, and the community to maintain a nexus for emergency preparedness and response. It is recognized that community involvement in emergency preparedness can ensure a better outcome for continuity of operation, services, and patient safety. Through coordinated efforts, we seek to improve the response with the development of leaders and trainers who continuously train diverse groups. The project aims to Train staff, patients, neighbors, and organizations in emergency preparedness for a coordinated response to facilitate the continuation of patient services in PRCONCRA. The objectives are: 1. Develop an emergency plan that pays attention to the needs and vulnerabilities of the organization in its facilities and that describes the proposed activities to address these hazards. 2. Document a vulnerability scan. 3. Develop policies and procedures in emergency preparedness. 4. Establish a cycle of training for staff, clients, neighbors, and community organizations that include comprehensive coordination strategies that facilitate the continuation of services and the restoration of activities at different levels. 5. Establish collaborations with state and municipal Emergency Management specialists and encourage their participation and integration into PRCONCRA's organizational activities of preparedness, activities during the emergency, and response after the emergency. To achieve the proposed goal, we will establish relationships with decision-makers in these organizations. Conduct activities to integrate these key individuals with staff members, patients, neighbors, and other organizations. Develop training events and training exercises that facilitate the appropriate management of emergency situations, considering preparedness and response as a priority.
