Abstract
“The CAPUS Project-Innovative Solutions for HIV/AIDS Linkage to Care”
Objectives: 1) Expand knowledge of the current linkage to care landscape within Georgia; 2) Identify essential components of the Resource Hub to enhance linkage to care efforts throughout Georgia; and 3)Promote effective use of the Resource Hub to facilitate HIV/AIDS linkage to care within highly impacted communities
Proposal Summary
In Georgia, of the 46,495 adults and adolescents diagnosed with HIV in 2011 and living with HIV in 2012, only 54% were considered minimally engaged in HIV care, measured by at least one CD4 or VL count within three months of initial diagnosis (Georgia Department of Public Health, 2012). Among new HIV diagnoses in Georgia, 57% were already stage 3 (AIDS) at the time of diagnoses (Georgia Department of Public Health, 2012). These are key indicators of missed opportunities for early detection and timely linkage to treatment and care. Overall, rates for engagement, retention, medication adherence, and viral suppression decline significantly as patients move along the HIV care continua. This disparity in health outcomes is even greater among specific minority populations and rural areas of the state. To better address these disparities, Georgia’s Care and Prevention in the United States (CAPUS) project was developed. The project aims to create more efficient ways to improve HIV testing, linkage to and retention in care, and antiretroviral therapy adherence, specifically targeting highest risk minority populations. The CAPUS project objectives were developed to align with goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and strive to: increase the proportion of racial and ethnic minorities with HIV who know their status; optimize HIV care for this population; and reduce health disparities and health inequities by addressing social and structural factors that impact health outcomes. A major component of the Georgia CAPUS Project is the Resource Hub. The Hub is novel in its inception and it will facilitate linkage to HIV/AIDS care and social services statewide. Components of the hub include a Ryan White Eligibility Portal, a Mapping and Testing tool, a Resource Directory, and a Medical Information page. Once completed, the Resource Hub will serve as Georgia’s primary resource for HIV/AIDS service and linkage information. This centralized entity will leverage existing resources and expand the treatment, testing, and prevention capabilities of Georgia organizations within the HIV/AIDS realm. The CAPUS Resource Hub has the potential to improve patient outcomes along the HIV care continua while simultaneously setting a golden standard for similar community resources in the future.
Relevance And Significance
Prevention and Intervention- Innovative strategies and tools for prevention and intervention in rural communities: Many rural areas of the state face unique prevention and treatment challenges due to limitations in resources. In order to address these disparities, the CAPUS Project created the Resource Hub. The Mapping and Testing feature of the hub will provide the community with localized, real-time, care continua data. In addition to detailed maps, the Resource Hub will feature tutorials designed to help end-users understand how to utilize the tool in order to facilitate testing, linkage, retention, and re-engagement efforts. Ultimately, these geomaps will help rural communities to become more efficient and effective with their prevention and intervention initiatives. Family and Community-Social Determinants: There are many aspects of the CAPUS Project which address stigma, access to care, and quality of care, specifically targeting highest risk minority populations. The Resource Hub will feature a comprehensive Resource Directory, that will address common social and structural barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment and medical care (i.e., housing, employment, transportation, mental health/substance abuse, support groups, etc.) By expanding access to this information, The CAPUS project strives to improve health outcomes for residents in rural areas of the state.
Session Format
Presentation Session
Keywords
HIV/AIDS, Linkage to care, Resource, Care and Prevention in the United States (CAPUS)
Location
Room 210
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Gwynn, Melanie; Ealey, Jamila; and Racoff Musgrove, Kate, "The CAPUS Project-Innovative Solutions for HIV/AIDS Linkage to Care" (2014). 9th Annual Rural HIV Research and Training Conference (2014-2019). 8.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ruralhiv/2014/2014/8
Included in
Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Community Health Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Communication Commons, Health Information Technology Commons, Medical Education Commons, Other Medical Specialties Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Primary Care Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Social Work Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
The CAPUS Project-Innovative Solutions for HIV/AIDS Linkage to Care
Room 210
“The CAPUS Project-Innovative Solutions for HIV/AIDS Linkage to Care”
Objectives: 1) Expand knowledge of the current linkage to care landscape within Georgia; 2) Identify essential components of the Resource Hub to enhance linkage to care efforts throughout Georgia; and 3)Promote effective use of the Resource Hub to facilitate HIV/AIDS linkage to care within highly impacted communities
