Health Equity on the Move: Mobile Syphilis/HIV Screenings for Residents experiencing Unstable Housing
Abstract
Background
Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STI) is at the forefront of health equity efforts in the Southwest Health District (SWHD).
In 2022, SWHD had one of the highest HIV diagnoses and persons living with HIV (PLWH) rates per 100,000 population in Georgia, 26.5 and 549.3 respectively. New HIV diagnoses in SWHDwere disproportionally among Black residents (68%).
From 2020-2022, syphilis rates and congenital syphilis rates in the SWHD increased by 89% and 5%, respectively. In 2022, SWHD’s syphilis rates among Black residents (105.1) were 3.9x higher than White residents (27.2).
In response, SWHD’s health equity taskforce implemented a mobile outreach event.
Methods
SWHD organized a mobile outreach/engagement event on October 3, 2024, at an extended stay hotel. We screened for syphilis/HIV using the Mobile Health Clinic. Unstably housed individuals and families in this 280-unit hotel had preidentified social determinants of health (SDOH) needs.
To address these needs, we selected public health services and local partners based on their ability to provide community resources to residents.
Local agencies provided information on low-cost housing opportunities. Public health programs offered menstrual products, Narcan, at-home STI test kits, hygiene kits, and COVID testing kits.
Engagement strategies included flyer distribution, door-to-door canvassing, food, and gift cards.
Results/Anticipated Results
Individuals were screened for HIV (n=32) and syphilis (n=16). Of the total 34 screened, individuals identified as Black (85%), White (12%), and Other (3%); male (27%) and female (73%); and had a mean age of 41 years old (range 19-67 years). Syphilis screenings had a 6.25 positivity rate with successful linkage to care and there were no HIV diagnoses.
Conclusion
Mindful community engagement is an effective strategy to identify and address needs. SWHD provided free syphilis/HIV screenings, education, and addressed SDOH needs for a population facing enormous challenges. Future outreach using a community-centered approach are planned.
Key Words:
Health Equity, HIV, Syphilis
Keywords
HIV, Syphilis, Health Equity
Conflict of Interest Form
I understand that if my abstract is selected and I agree to present that I must register for the conference and pay the registration fee to attend at least the day of the conference that I present. This includes all Learning Methods except invited Key Note Speakers.
Health Equity on the Move: Mobile Syphilis/HIV Screenings for Residents experiencing Unstable Housing
Background
Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STI) is at the forefront of health equity efforts in the Southwest Health District (SWHD).
In 2022, SWHD had one of the highest HIV diagnoses and persons living with HIV (PLWH) rates per 100,000 population in Georgia, 26.5 and 549.3 respectively. New HIV diagnoses in SWHDwere disproportionally among Black residents (68%).
From 2020-2022, syphilis rates and congenital syphilis rates in the SWHD increased by 89% and 5%, respectively. In 2022, SWHD’s syphilis rates among Black residents (105.1) were 3.9x higher than White residents (27.2).
In response, SWHD’s health equity taskforce implemented a mobile outreach event.
Methods
SWHD organized a mobile outreach/engagement event on October 3, 2024, at an extended stay hotel. We screened for syphilis/HIV using the Mobile Health Clinic. Unstably housed individuals and families in this 280-unit hotel had preidentified social determinants of health (SDOH) needs.
To address these needs, we selected public health services and local partners based on their ability to provide community resources to residents.
Local agencies provided information on low-cost housing opportunities. Public health programs offered menstrual products, Narcan, at-home STI test kits, hygiene kits, and COVID testing kits.
Engagement strategies included flyer distribution, door-to-door canvassing, food, and gift cards.
Results/Anticipated Results
Individuals were screened for HIV (n=32) and syphilis (n=16). Of the total 34 screened, individuals identified as Black (85%), White (12%), and Other (3%); male (27%) and female (73%); and had a mean age of 41 years old (range 19-67 years). Syphilis screenings had a 6.25 positivity rate with successful linkage to care and there were no HIV diagnoses.
Conclusion
Mindful community engagement is an effective strategy to identify and address needs. SWHD provided free syphilis/HIV screenings, education, and addressed SDOH needs for a population facing enormous challenges. Future outreach using a community-centered approach are planned.
Key Words:
Health Equity, HIV, Syphilis
