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Project Abstract Summary Bee Busy Learning Academy will operate the Southwest High Impact Prevention Program (SW HIP) in Harris County, Texas to prevent substance use and HIV infection for 1,800 youth ages 13-17, especially Black and Hispanic youth from low-income families, foster care, and alternative schools. The program will use the evidence-based Hip-Hop 2 Prevent Substance Abuse and HIV (H2P) curriculum in three school districts and two community organizations. Contact Name: Darcy Padgett, Executive Director, 713-774-8800, darcy@beebusy.org. Goals and Objectives. Year One Year Two Year Three Year Four Year Five Total 200 400 400 400 400 1,800 Goal 1: Decrease substance use and HIV infection among participating students by increasing their knowledge of risks, strategies for prevention, and good mental health practices. Objective 1.1: 1,800 students will participate in Hip Hop 2 Prevent Substance Abuse and HIV evidence-based curriculum, using music as a strategy. Objective 1.2: At least 80% of participating students will complete the 10-module program curriculum. Objective 1.3: At least 75% of students who complete the program will show improvement in pre/ post assessment surveys. Objective 1.4: 100% of students will be offered referral to HIV testing, with PrEP and treatment available if necessary. Goal 2: Connect students with relationships and resources that serve as a protective factor against substance misuse and HIV infection. Objective 2.1: 100% of the navigators hired by the program will reflect the target population in their demographics/ lived experiences, so that students can relate to them personally as trusted adults. Objective 2.2: 100% of students completing the program will be taught healthy coping skills and relationship-building for mental health. Objective 2.3: 100% of students completing the program will receive training to reduce stigmas of mental health issues and to learn how to access appropriate support systems. Objective 2.4: 100% of students expressing need for supportive services such as housing, mental health care, legal services, and substance use treatment will receive navigation assistance. Objective 2.5: 75% of program participants will be connected with a supportive social media community and be encouraged to share content with peers who are not in the program to spread its impact.

The REACH (Resources, Engagement, And Collaborative Healthcare for HIV/AIDS/SUD/STI) program, sponsored by Tarrant County Hospital District (DBA: JPS Health Network), will expand JPS's robust HIV/AIDS treatment service line to include prevention for HIV/AIDS and developing prevention services for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), Viral Hepatitis, and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) by implementing the SAMHSA endorsed Hub and Spoke model in a public healthcare system. REACH will serve 285 patients over the five-year grant period (45 in year 1 and 60 each in years two to five). With requested funding, REACH will meet SAMHSA's goals to provide prevention services, education, and targeted outreach to patients at high risk for HIV/AIDS, SUDs, Viral Hepatitis, and other STIs, particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Measurable objectives include: 1) providing outreach at 3 or more events per quarter, 2) providing prevention and navigation services to 100% of consenting patients, 3) increasing PEP and PrEP uptake by 20%, 4) providing 100% of patients education if they receive a prescription for PEP or PrEP, 5) providing 100% of patients' partners access to PEP or PrEP if clinically indicated and 6) providing 100% of eligible and consenting patients who require intensive services a referral to SUD specialty treatment. The target population of REACH is adults who are at high risk for HIV/AIDS, SUDs, Viral Hepatitis, and other STIs. The population of need includes 2,385 at-risk HIV-negative and 3,484 at-risk SUDs adults who were served by JPS primary care in the past 12 months. Black and Hispanic individuals made up almost 80% of patients who reported the presence of a behavioral or sexual risk factor for HIV acquisition or a positive bacterial sexually transmitted infection at a JPS clinic visit in the past 12 months. Another 3,484 individuals were at risk for developing a SUD in the past 12 months and approximately 15% of individuals were at risk for both HIV and SUDs. The goal of REACH is to identify and support racial and ethnic minorities, particularly those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, who are at risk for HIV/AIDS, SUDs, Viral Hepatitis, and other STIs. Support and prevention services will be provided via the Hub and Spoke Model to expand current efforts in an up-stream way, thereby preventing patients from positive statuses. REACH will expand access to low-threshold prevention and improve patient retention and engagement because the patient is identified in the Urgent Care Center or Emergency Department and linked to long-term services within their primary care clinic. Strategies and interventions include all required activities and 2 allowable activities. Reach will build on JPS's current Ryan White funded programs, which actively provide treatment for HIV/AIDS, to create low-threshold provision of prevention outreach and education for not only HIV/AIDS but SUDs, Viral Hepatitis, and other STIs. REACH will leverage relationships with JPS's SAMHSA ED-ALT and SAMHSA SBIRT grants to create access for the target population to ongoing SUD Services in primary care. With requested funding, the REACH program will use the SAMHSA-endorsed Hub and Spoke Model to identify patients in the target population in the Emergency Department and Urgent Care Center (the Hub) and transition them to longer-term prevention services in primary care (the Spokes). REACH will hire additional staff, implement two-way texting technology, and increase training for clinic staff thereby furthering the reach of this funding.

Genesis Community Health (GCH) was formed in 2009 in response to a community needs assessment that identified Boynton Beach as an area of need, specifically due to the severe lack of access to primary care. This need was based upon evaluation of available services, a high incidence of poverty and uninsured individuals in the area, and a significant reliance on the emergency room for primary care. GCH was formed specifically to meet the needs of its clients. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, GCH has taken a leadership role in making care more accessible, working with partners and independently. Since officially opening its doors in 2010, GCH has become the medical home for over 50,000 patients from Boynton Beach, Boca Raton and the surrounding areas. GCH is dedicated to delivering cost-effective, high-quality medical services to residents of the South Florida community, guided by their mission of promoting and providing health care with special sensitivity to the needs of economically disadvantaged people of diverse cultural backgrounds. GCH is applying for SAMHSA Prevention Navigator programming to expand efforts on providing substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minorities at high-risk for substance use disorder and HIV infection. GCH will expand its target population to target programming at LGBTQI+ populations, and men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). Genesis will achieve SAMHSA programming objectives through the following goals: • GCH will enhance the organization’s outreach and engagement strategies and will increase its direct behavioral health care and SUD referral programming to increase access to substance use and HIV prevention services, connecting with at least 450 clients by the end of program funding. • GCH will enhance its HIV prevention programming by connecting with more clients and preventing new HIV infections by at least 10% among the service area by the end of the program period. • GCH will improve HIV-related health outcomes of people with HIV by integrating primary care, mental health, SUD and HIV care, integrating care during at least 85% of applicable encounters. • GCH will reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities by connecting with the high-risk population and providing care to at least 50 clients in the first year of funding. • GCH will provide integrated, coordinated care that addresses the HIV epidemic through the collaboration of community partners. GCH will focus on ensuring that all clients seeking care at GCH have access to the resources to know their status and will ensure that all persons with HIV have high-quality care and treatment, living free from stigma and discrimination to achieve their full potential for health and well-being across the lifespan. This program will enable GCH to continue its mission of providing healthcare to the most vulnerable populations across South Florida and the surrounding communities, directly impacting marginalized populations that have been more negatively impacted with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. GCH will focus its efforts on vulnerable populations in the service area. GCH will provide annual assistance to the following estimated number of individuals served by this project: Number of Unduplicated Individuals to be Served with Award Funds Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total 50 70 90 110 130 450

The Association of the Advancement of Mexican Americans AAMA, located in Harris County, Houston, TX has identified the need for substance misuse and HIV prevention services to adults of racial and ethnic minority populations at high risk for HIV and Viral Hepatitis infection. The program will emphasize its recruitment efforts to reach members of the population of focus including men who have sex with men MSM and men who have sex with men and women MSMW, as well as those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning and Intersex persons LGBTQI plus who are not in stable housing. Harris County holds 1st place with the highest cases of HIV diagnoses, AIDS, and People Living with HIV. Project MAP proposes an implementation approach that follows the Strategic Prevention Framework SPF and builds a solid foundation for delivering and sustaining quality substance misuse, HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STI prevention services to the target population. Project MAP will execute the work plan delineated below by recruiting, hiring, reassigning, and training competent and skillful staff comprised of the following: Project Director PD, Lead navigator LN, Prevention Navigators PNs, Peer Support Specialist PSS, and Program Evaluator PE. Number of Unduplicated Individuals to be Served with Award Funds Year 1: 50, Year 2: 150, Year 3: 200, Year 4: 150, Year 5: 50, Total: 600 The following are the proposed goals of Project MAP: Conduct a needs assessment of the population of focus' HIV/VH prevalence, risk behaviors, substance abuse incidence, gaps in needs and services, and prevention priorities. Mobilize community resources and the agency's capacity to provide SU, HIV, AIDS, VH, and STI prevention services to high-risk populations. Develop a data-driven, comprehensive, strategic based on the needs assessment that articulates the proposed project's vision for minority MSMY, LGBTQI plus adults. Implement a culturally appropriate, evidence-based, Prevention Navigation program targeting outreach, SA, HIV, and VH prevention, testing, and identification of high-risk individuals to prevent and reduce the onset of SA, HIV, and VH transmission among high-risk individuals targeted by Project MAP. Provided ongoing monitoring and performance assessment of project activities and implement quality improvement plans based on results.

Care 4 U Management, Inc. d/b/a Care 4 U Community Health Center proposes to reduce substance abuse and HIV-related health disparities for Black and Hispanic MSM, MSMW & LGBTQ+ adults (ages 18 and older) who reside in Miami-Dade County, Florida's inner city areas with high rates of HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and are at high risk for substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. We will accomplish this by providing: (1) face-to-face and social media outreach to engage the target population; (2) screening and risk assessments for substance abuse, HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis; and (3) inclusive navigation services for linage to support services (e.g. housing, substance abuse treatment, PrEP, etc.). We will partner with licensed substance abuse provider, Devonear, Inc. which will provide treatment for substance abuse and mental health counseling to Care 4 U's medical clinic, thus increasing access among the target population. Miami-Dade County, FL is one of the localities hardest hit by the HIV epidemic. Care 4 U's catchments are, Liberty City and vicinity, is the epicenter of the HIV disease in the county. Care 4 U's efforts will target Black and Hispanic MSM, MSMW, and LGBTQ+ adults in this area, which are the most economically and socially depressed neighborhoods in Miami-Dade County. The service proposed by Care 4 U seek to ameliorate the affects of HIV and substance abuse among the target population by increasing access to testing, treatment and prevention services with the goal of improving health outcomes and reducing HIV transmission rates among this population. We propose to serve 135 individuals in Year 1 and 180 each year in Years 2-5, for a total of 855 individuals over the five-year grant period. We are requesting $299,993 per year for a total of $1,499.965 over the five-year grant period.

The Navigation Utilizing Regard, Training, Universal Resources & Empowerment (NURTURE) Project Here’s To Life (HTL) in collaboration with partnering organizations, will offer the Navigation Utilizing Regard, Training, Universal Resources & Empowerment (NURTURE) project. These organizations have been responding to the needs of most in need populations in the Greater Fulton County area of Georgia for many years. The NURTURE project will continue this history of service by providing comprehensive prevention education and related wrap around services for at least 450 (50 in year 1 and 100 each in years 2-5) African American Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and transgender females, who are at high risk for HIV/AIDS or are already positive. HTL has been reaching out to serve the primarily African American LGBTQ community for many years, providing HIV related services, so is in the perfect position to make the NURTURE project a great success. These funds will be well utilized in the effort to improve the overall level and quality prevention services for this population by making certain that fewer citizens are falling through the cracks and not receiving the support that will help them lead happier and more successful lives. Project objectives include: Objective 1) To complete a community needs assessment of Fulton County, with extensive examination of the African American MSM and transgender female population, and the SPF process by the end of the 4th month of funding. Objective 2) To provide evidence-based SA, HCV and HIV prevention classes for at least 450 African American MSM and transgender women by the end of the fifth project year (50 in year 1, and 100 each in years 2-5), as assessed by a review of program attendance records. Objective 3) To provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS-related support services and navigation assistance including substance misuse treatment, improved mental health treatment, HIV medical care, housing, employment, family, education, and prescription drug assistance services, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) services, for 450 primarily African American MSM and transgender women, based on needs assessment results, over the life of the project (50 in year 1 and 100 each in years 2-5), as assessed by a review of participant files. Objective 4) To conduct training for at least 3 services providers in the community each project year on substance use and HIV care and treatment services, as well as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), as assessed by a review of project training records. Objective 5) To conduct a social media campaign to reach at least 5,000 individuals with a SA, HCV, and HIV prevention, in addition to improved mental health message targeted towards primarily African American and other minority MSM and transgender women by the end of the project (1,000 per year), as assessed by counting the visits to social media platforms. Objective 6) To increase HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STI testing numbers by 10% each project year, as assessed by a review of testing records.

ABSTRACT Summary. The Pride Center of Maryland (PCOM) is proposing a program to provide substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minority populations at high-risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV infection; PCOM will target youth and young adult sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in the Baltimore Metropolitan Service Area (MSA). PCOM will serve 150 unduplicated individuals annually and 750 over the project period. Project name. Baltimore Prevention Navigator Program Populations to be served. The populations of focus (POF) will be racial and ethnic minority populations at high-risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV infection. PCOM will target youth and young adult SGM, including MSM and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), as well as LGBTQI+ persons who are not in stable housing. The catchment area where services will be delivered will be Baltimore MSA which includes Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and surrounding counties. Strategies/interventions. Program activities will include: 1) conduct a needs assessment to gather information on the POF; 2) mobilize and build capacity to address SU, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STI prevention services; 3) develop a data-driven, comprehensive strategic plan based on the results from the needs assessment; 4) implement evidence-based programs, practices, and strategies; and 5) provide ongoing monitoring and performance assessment of project activities using process and outcome evaluation techniques as well as continuous quality improvement (CQI). PCOM will implement three EBPs: Motivational Interviewing (MI), SBIRT, and Critical Thinking and Cultural Affirmation (CTCA). Project goals and measurable objectives. The proposed goal is to provide substance use and HIV prevention services to diverse SGM youth and young adults, including MSM, MSMW, as well as those who identify as LGBTQI+ in the service area, including those who are unstably housed and are at risk for HIV/AIDS. Objectives for the proposed program include: 1) Within 2 months, conduct and complete a needs assessment; 2) Within 4 months, develop a data-driven, comprehensive strategic plan based on the results from the needs assessment that is culturally and linguistically age- appropriate; 3) Within 6 months, identify at least 5 agencies in year one and 8 in subsequent years to participate in capacity building and mobilization activities; 4) Collaborate with at least 8 community sector partners per year through formalized collaborations and partnerships to implement comprehensive, community-based substance misuse, HIV, hepatitis, and other prevention strategies; 5) Conduct targeted outreach and recruitment activities, reaching 800 persons per year; 6) Develop social media tools and campaigns to conduct public messaging and awareness campaigns delivered via social media and community events on the risk of substance misuse among individuals living with HIV, the importance of seeking care and treatment, and mental health promotion, reaching 1,500 persons per year; 7) Provide referrals to HIV, STD, and HCV testing for at least 150 persons per year; 8) Provide 12 prevention education community workshops per year for at least 150 program participants per workshop regarding substance misuse prevention education, mental health promotion, and HIV risk factor and risk reduction education services; 9) Screen at least 50 persons from the POF per year for substance misuse using evidence-based screening tools; 10) Provide navigation to SUD treatment and recovery support for 75% of program participants screening positive for treatment needs; 11) Provide navigation to HIV, STI and HCV care and treatment for 95% of those who screen positive; 12) Provide navigation services to 75% of enrolled clients in need of behavioral health services to link individuals to care for mental health disorders, substance misuse; 13) Provide referrals to 75% of participants to supportive case management.

With the Prevention Navigator funds, Eggleston Youth Center (EYC) will serve a priority population of men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), ages 18-34, who are overburdened by factors that lead to health disparities (e.g., populations of color, individuals facing income insecurity or homelessness).

The Substance Use and HIV Navigation project (SUHN) will reduce health disparities for racial/ethnic minority adults from subpopulations (MSM, MSMW, LGBTQ+) by providing substance use prevention (25 unduplicated in year 1, increasing to 55 in year 5) and HIV prevention (30 unduplicated in year 1, increasing to 85 in year 5) for individuals at high-risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV infection, who are not in stable housing and/or reside in communities with high rates of HIV, Viral Hepatitis (VH), and/or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). By using evidence-based practices for SUDs and HIV prevention strategies, expected outcomes for the populations of focus include decreased use of substances through SUD/COD treatment; increased HIV testing and diagnosis of HIV for individuals with or at risk for SUD/COD; an increase in these individuals linked to and retained in HIV medical care toward sustained viral suppression; and linkage to stable housing. The SUHN Project will be based on the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) by designing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan to address SUD/COD and HIV/VH/STI among the population of focus by conducting an initial needs assessment, building capacity, and assessing project performance.

Project Summary: The purpose of this SAMHSA initiative is to provide substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minority populations at high-risk for substance use disorders and HIV infection. Individuals with positive substance misuse screens or negative sexual self-efficacy scales will be offered prevention navigation services. Utilizing motivational interviewing and stages of change, the navigator will effectively engage participants and connect them to needed resources. Prevention navigation services will also facilitate linkage to PrEP and PEP services. Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women (TW) will have an additional intervention, Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC) offered, if they have had a previous HIV test. PCC is an evidence-based intervention endorsed by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This initiative will support intensive outreach and increased HIV testing for the population of focus. Population to be Served: The population to be served by this project is Black/AA non- Hispanic youth, ages 18-25, residing in the St. Louis HIV Region, with special focus on Black/AA MSM. This population was selected due their high risk for HIV infection and co-occurring substance use disorders. Black/AA males are disproportionately impacted by HIV comprising 59% of persons with HIV in the region; by exposure category. HIV prevalence is highest among MSM (71% of all cases) and MSM/IDU comprise 3% of all cases. HIV incidence among African Americans within the region continues to be of great concern with Black/AA persons accounting for 61.5% of new cases of HIV during 2018-2021. Over the past five years, Black/AA persons ages 18-24, have represented 18.3-26.7% of all new HIV infections each year. Significant co-morbidities have been identified in Black/AA MSM including high rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use and sexually transmitted infections STIs. Project Strategies/Interventions: Prevention Navigation services will be provided to 450 Black/AA men ages 18-25 who have been identified at high-risk for substance use disorders and/or HIV infection. Prevention Navigation Services is a case management approach that incorporates motivational interviewing and stages of change to promote health and wellness. Evidence-based prevention intervention of Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC) will also be implemented. PCC is a harm reduction counseling/education intervention for young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women (TW). This project will also be supported by an environmental strategy which promotes positive change to community norms regarding substance misuse and sexual behavior. This project will also focus on intensive outreach and HIV testing with a goal of conducting 950 HIV tests. Linkage and engagement in HIV treatment services will occur for those identified as HIV-infected. Project goal and Measurable Objectives: The overarching goal for this initiative is to prevent HIV infection and decrease substance misuse through the use of evidence-based interventions that build on and enhance HIV/STI counseling and testing. We aim to: 1) Identify those who are at high-risk for HIV and SU disorders and engage in comprehensive prevention services. 2) Decrease substance misuse, enhance sexual self-efficacy, and increase awareness of the interaction between sexual behavior and concurrent substance use.

A rural Level 1 Trauma Center ED serving two EHE counties will hire a peer navigator to identify Latino patients with SUD-related HIV risk and link them to care. Eligible patients will be identified in the EHR through automated alerts sent to the navigator's pager. The navigator will approach these patients during triage, assist them in completing self-screening, review the results, and offer HIV and HCV testing. Post-test counseling will be provided, along with appropriate referrals. To ensure linkage to care, eNavigation services will be offered via text messaging. As of 2018, an estimated 18% of all HIV cases remain undiagnosed in the Inland Empire, comprised of San Bernardino and Riverside EHE priority counties. These high rates of PLWH who are unaware of their HIV serostatus are significant drivers of HIV infection in the region, with 80% of new HIV infections traced to undiagnosed or out-of-care individuals. Emergency Departments (EDs) play a crucial role in providing healthcare access for individuals at risk of or living with undiagnosed HIV, particularly in medically underserved areas. Expanding HIV screening in EDs is a key strategy recommended by local public health departments. The Loma Linda University (LLU) ED, the sole Level 1 Trauma Center in the Inland Empire, receives 85,000 annual visits, yet it lacks an implemented HIV screening process. An internal review suggests this absence results in missed HIV diagnoses (~48 cases) and missed referrals to the LLU PrEP clinic (~132 cases) each year. The review identified barriers to HIV testing, including limited staff capacity for pre/post-test counseling, a lack of cultural competency to address the rising HIV diagnoses among the Latino population, especially Latino MSM (representing 79% of new HIV diagnoses among non-white individuals and 69% among MSM). Additionally, high rates of HIV test refusals among minority patients, the failure to address HIV risks related to substance use (contributing to one in three seroconversions in the region), and the lack of coordination between HIV and SUD services within the ED were identified as challenges. To address these gaps, the project aims to implement an effective HIV screening process tailored to the specific needs of Latino MSM and MSM with SUD in the LLU ED. The project will use an existing computer-based self-screening intervention to identify Latino ED patients with SUD-related HIV risks. Latino ED patients often refuse HIV testing due to fears of the stigma associated with an HIV diagnosis, discussions about HIV risk, or being perceived as MSM. By using a computer-based self-screening intervention, this project aims to discreetly address barriers to HIV testing, effectively reducing refusal rates and addressing cultural competency concerns when eliciting sensitive information. The self-screening tool used in this intervention encompasses measures for both HIV and SUD risks, thus enabling the identification and coordination of services for SUD-related HIV risk within the ED. Furthermore, the implementation of this intervention will be facilitated by community health workers (CHWs) trained as HIV test counselors. These Latino CHWs will provide rapid HIV/HCV tests to at-risk patients, deliver required post-test counseling, and ensure linkage to appropriate resources and care. This project addresses the locally defined HIV prevention needs by expanding HIV screening within EDs. The screening approach is designed to be culturally and linguistically appropriate, ensuring that it effectively reaches and engages Latino patients. Recognizing the significant role of substance use in driving HIV transmission among this population in the area, the project specifically targets and addresses this issue. Importantly, the project builds upon the resources and successes of a previously funded EHE demonstration project, optimizing the utilization of existing infrastructure and organizational expertise.

Healing Hands Ministries was founded to provide compassionate, accessible, quality medical care to the Dallas community. Healing Hands is a patient-focused community health center capable of caring for a patient from birth to the end of their life. Healing Hands Ministries focuses on empowering the community by improving access and delivery of healthcare, providing education to help maintain improved lifestyles and inspires others to take responsibility for their own health. Today, Healing Hands Ministries has rebranded to HHM Health, beginning an exciting new chapter of expansion. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), HHM offers family practice, women’s health, pediatrics, dental, vision and behavioral health services to patients regardless of ability to pay. HHM Health is dedicated to delivering cost-effective, high-quality medical services to residents of Dallas County, Texas, guided by their mission of providing healthcare to all with love, compassion, and respect. HHM Health is applying for SAMHSA Prevention Navigator programming to expand efforts on providing substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minorities at high-risk for substance use disorder and HIV infection in the Dallas community. HHM Health will expand its target population to target programming at LGBTQIA+ populations, and men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). The following program overarching goals/programming will occur through SAMHSA programming: - HHM Health will enhance the organization’s outreach and engagement strategies through the population health team to increase access to substance use and HIV prevention services by at least 50%. - HHM Health will increase its direct behavioral health care (and SUD through referral) to those at high-risk, supporting at least 450 clients at the end of the funding period. - HHM Health will enhance its HIV prevention programming by connecting with more clients and preventing new HIV infections by at least 25% among the service area by the end of the program period. - HHM Health will improve HIV-related health outcomes of people with HIV by integrating primary care, mental health, SUD and HIV care, integrating care during at least 85% of applicable encounters - HHM Health will reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities by connecting with the high-risk population and providing care to at least 50 clients in the first year of funding. - HHM Health will provide integrated, coordinated care that addresses the HIV epidemic through the collaboration of community partners. HHM Health will focus on ensuring that all clients seeking care at HHM Health have access to the resources to know their status and will ensure that all individuals living with HIV have high-quality care and treatment, living free from stigma and discrimination to achieve their full potential for health and well-being across the lifespan. This program will enable HHM Health to continue its mission of providing healthcare to the most vulnerable populations across Dallas and the surrounding communities, directly impacting marginalized populations that have been more negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this funding opportunity, HHM Health will specifically target vulnerable populations and will aim to support the following numbers of children, families and adults each year: Number of Unduplicated Individuals to be Served with Award Funds Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total 50 70 90 110 130 450

San Francisco Community Health Center (SFCHC) - a multi-service, community-centered federally qualified health center (FQHC) with robust peer outreach, HIV prevention and treatment, and substance use disorder (SUD) programs - requests five-year funding through the SAMHSA FY 2023 Minority AIDS Initiative: Prevention Navigator Program for Racial/Ethnic Minorities (TI-23-005) to implement TransLink, an innovative, peer-focused initiative designed to significantly reduce the risk of substance use, HIV infection, and STI and viral hepatitis infection among homeless and unstably housed adult transgender women living in San Francisco’s hard-hit Tenderloin neighborhood. SFCHC will hire two new full-time transgender Navigators and three part-time transgender Peer Ambassadors who will reach and connect with high-risk transgender women through our agency’s TransThrive program, which serves nearly 1,000 transgender women each year. Clients enrolling in TransLink will complete an estimated 6-month period of engagement that incorporates a comprehensive client assessment and care plan development process; ongoing intensive navigation services; peer-based social support services; optional participation in weekly Seeking Safety groups; linkage to SUD treatment, individual and group mental health therapy, and socialization and recreational events. All clients will also receive HIV, sexually transmitted infection (STI), and viral hepatitis testing, and will be linked to comprehensive medical services within our co-located FQHC medical, behavioral, and dental clinics, including on-site post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment. The overarching goal of TransLink will be to reduce the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs), HIV, and viral hepatitis among the adult transgender women of color in San Francisco while increasing awareness, access, and linkage to treatment for persons with SUD and at risk for or living with HIV. Key project process objectives include: a) overseeing a four-month, client-centered needs assessment and strategic planning process during which an ad hoc consumer needs assessment panel is convened; key local needs are identified; outreach, engagement, and retention strategies are developed; evidence-based testing, navigation, and linkage approaches are finalized; data collection and evaluation plans are completed; and a data-driven, comprehensive strategic plan for the project is produced; b) enrolling a minimum of 465 homeless and unstably housed adult transgender women of color in a 6-month assessment, service linkage, and support intervention that includes at least weekly contact with client navigators - including at least one monthly intensive in-person or online progress and support session - along with ongoing contact with Peer Ambassadors; and c) ensuring that all clients enrolled in the program and their partners receive rapid HIV and viral hepatitis testing and PEP and PrEP education at the time of enrollment, followed by integrated HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis testing, confirmatory testing, counseling and education, and linkage to high-quality on-site HIV, STI, viral hepatitis, primary medical care, and PEP and PrEP treatment through the co-located SFCHC medical clinic. Key outcome objectives of TransLink include: a) ensuring that at least 60% of project clients complete the full 6-month substance use and health and wellness navigation and support intervention; b) documenting self-reported reductions in the frequency and severity of substance use 6 for at least 50% of clients who complete the full 6-month navigation and support intervention; c) documenting significantly enhanced mental health status and improved outlook for at least 70% of clients who complete the full 6-month navigation and support intervention; and d) identifying and linking to care within 14 days at least 25 newly diagnosed trans women of color with HIV.

East Bay Advanced Care (EBAC) is partnering with Options Recovery Services (Options) to provide HIV and substance use prevention services for racial and ethnic minority populations in Alameda County at high-risk for substance use disorders and/or co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders. Our Prevention Navigator project plans to provide services to 100 unduplicated participants in each of years 1 through 5, for a total of 500 unduplicated participants over the life of the grant. Participants will represent a combination of MSM, black MSM, and MSMW, and among these, those who identify as LGBTQI+, who are not in stable housing, and who are under criminal justice supervision. Ages will range from 18 to 65. If funded, our Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Strategy for Excellence (CHASE) project will strengthen EBAC's ability to provide HIV evidence-based interventions and strategies. We will also use funding to contract with Options, an experienced provider of substance prevention services. This will allow us to expand our substance use prevention services and extend our outreach. In addition, we will allocate funds to conduct extensive outreach services to high-risk populations using social media and social marketing strategies and in person venues; HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STI testing and collecting urine and blood specimens, make referrals for persons with SUDs and HIV for appropriate treatment, and educate providers on substance use and HIV care and treatment services as well as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. To address substance misuse, high risk behaviors related to HIV and other behavioral problems facing Alameda County, we identified three primary goals: 1) build the capacity of the EBAC and Options to target and deliver effective HIV and substance use prevention services for high-risk racial and ethnic minority populations; 2) implement effective, evidence-based HIV and substance use prevention services, guided by our Strategic Plan: and 3) facilitate positive outcomes for project participants. Our measurable objectives include targets related to building capacity, recruiting participants, implementing evidence-based services, and for participant gains in the areas of HIV-awareness, substance use, accessing and complying with treatment, and reducing HIV viral loads. The project will be staffed by qualified EBAC personnel and overseen by the Project Director. EBAC, in partnership with Options and guided by the Strategic Prevention Framework, will address substance misuse, high risk behaviors related to HIV and other behavioral health problems among our populations of focus. Specifically, we plan to: 1. Assess Need: identify the populations of focus, racial/ethnic minority populations vulnerable to SUD/COE, HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STIs, by conducting a two-pronged Needs Assessment to collect data on the nature of substance misuse and related harmful behaviors, risk and protective factors, and local capacity for prevention. 2. Build Capacity: mobilize and build our capacity to address SUD/COE, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs, and provide prevention services 3. Develop a Strategic Plan: develop a data-driven, comprehensive MAI Prevention Navigator Strategic Plan that is culturally and linguistically age-appropriate. 4. Implement Strategic Plan: implement evidence-based, trauma-informed, recovery- supporting, and culturally-sensitive and responsive strategies identified in the Strategic Plan, such as Test Everywhere, integrated screenings and service linkages, Rapid ART, ERASE, Peer Mentoring, Intensive Case Management, and Relapse Prevention Therapy. 5. Evaluate Project Performance: assess project performance, monitor and evaluate project activities, outcomes and Disparity Impact Statement on an ongoing basis, to inform adjustments in the Implementation Plan and ensure continual quality improvement.

Project Summary: Watts Healthcare Corporation (WHCC), a federally qualified health center, is applying for funding to address health disparities and service gaps in Los Angeles County among African American and Latinx, as well as young and older LGBTQ+ adults at high-risk for SUD and HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and/or other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). With roots in the HIV/AIDS crisis, WHCC has always emphasized engagement with marginalized Latinx community members, including people who identify as LGBTQ+, are HIV positive or at elevated risk for HIV/AIDS, or who have SUD or co-occurring mental health conditions and SUD (COD). Through culturally sensitive bilingual/bicultural programs and high community visibility, WHCC will leverage our strong presence and current programs. Geographic Catchment Area: Los Angeles County, of southern California. Specifically one Service Planning Area (SPA) of Los Angeles County: South Los Angeles (SPA 6), where HIV prevalence among the population of focus remains high. Project Name: Watts Healthcare Corporation 2023 Minority AIDS Initiative. Populations to be served: Racial and ethnic minority populations, specifically Latinx young and older adults (age 18+) who are at substantial risk for HIV infection, Viral Hepatitis, and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as well as SUD, or COD. We plan to emphasize men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) as well as those who identify as LGBTQ+. Number to be served: Year 1: 375; Year 2: 500; Year 3: 500 Year 4: 500; Year 5: 500 Life of project: 2,375. Project strategies/interventions: WHCC will use a combination of several evidence-based- interventions, including Motivational Interviewing and Patient Navigation. Project goals and measurable objectives: Our project goals include: increase HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and other STI prevention outreach activities to minority populations, such as those who identify as African American or Latinx and/or LGBTQ+; increase SUD treatment, including harm reduction services, for the population of focus; increase access to HIV and other STI prevention services and SUD treatment for those who are homeless; increase access to linguistically and culturally competent HIV and other STI prevention services and SUD treatment for those who identify as African American or Latinx and/or LGBTQ+. Measurable objectives are as follows: (1) Each year, we will engage and connect with members of the target population online, by posting four (4) messages per month via social media platforms, to reach 500 individuals each year. (2) Each year, we will distribute 5,000 printed educational materials (pamphlets, brochures, etc.) at six (6) or more strategic outreach locations throughout the community. (3) Each year, we will participate in or host three (3) event in the community with outreach toward raising awareness of services, in collaboration with project partners. (4) Each grant year, we will screen 90% of individuals participating in the program for HIV/Hepatitis C; Of those who screen positive, 75% will accept a referral to our partners for medical treatment. (5) Each grant year, of those referred to our partners for PrEP or PEP, 60% will keep the appointment and fill their prescription(s). (6) Each grant year, of those referred to our partners for harm reduction supplies/education, 60% will keep the appointment or utilize the referred service. (7) Each grant year, we will screen 85% of individuals participating in the program for substance abuse; of these 50% will accept a referral for SUD treatment.

Project Summary: Peach Tree Healthcare (Peach Tree), a community-based health care provider is applying for funding to address health disparities and service gaps in Sacramento Valley among low-income, high-risk, racial and ethnic minority populations, as well as persons who identify as LGBTQI+ who are not in stable housing. Peach Tree offers a wide-range of medical, behavioral health, dental, and vision services across the lifespan. We operate eight service delivery sites, have two mobile units, and became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in 2006. Geographic Catchment Area includes Sacramento County, one of the 48 counties listed in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States 2022-2025. Peach Tree’s broader service area covers 22 ZIP codes which includes parts of Sacramento, and the unincorporated Sacramento suburbs of Arden/Arcade and Foothill Farms. Rural geographies of our Sacramento Valley service area have limited resources for community residents. Project Name: Peach Tree Healthcare Prevention Navigator Program. Populations to be served: Peach Tree’s population of focus includes racial and ethnic minority, low-income young adults and older adults who are at high-risk of HIV/AIDS and substance use disorders (SUD) or co-occurring mental health conditions and SUD (COD). We will ensure racial and ethnic minority populations, as well as persons who identify as LGBTQI+, who are not in stable housing, are provided access and opportunities to receive services as part of this program. Number to be served: Year 1: 50; Year 2: 100; Year 3: 100 Year 4: 100; Year 5: 150; Life of project: 500. Project strategies/interventions: Peach Tree will use a combination of several evidence-based- interventions, including: Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Medicated-Assisted Treatment, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Project goals and measurable objectives: Our goals include: Engage and connect the population of focus to behavioral health treatment, harm reduction services, case management, and recovery support services; Increase HIV/AIDS prevention services, including testing; Improve cultural competency to improve HIV prevention services and SUD care; Decrease barriers to seeking and receiving care. Measurable objectives are as follows: (1) Each year, conduct in-reach to identify 50 individuals living with SUD and/or COD and refer them to Peach Tree’s behavioral health services; (2) Each year, 75% of individuals who screen positive for opioid use and/or other substance use during intake, will accept a referral for behavioral health services; (3) Each year, distribute 2,500 informational materials and post on social media two-times monthly to promote Peach Tree’s behavioral health services, capacity, and resources; (4) Each year, provide screening and risk assessments for HIV and Viral Hepatitis, including pre-and-post-test counseling, for 50 individuals; (5) Each year, 75% of individuals who screen positive for HIV and/or Vital Hepatitis, will accept a referral for treatment services; (6) Each year, distribute 2,500 informational materials and post on social media two-times monthly to promote Peach Tree’s HIV and other prevention services, capacity, and resources; (7) Within the first six months of award, train 100% of Peach Tree’s providers on cultural competency focusing on SUD and HIV prevention services; (8) Each year, ensure at least 25% of informational materials and posts on social media to promote Peach Tree’s behavioral health services, HIV and other prevention services, capacity, and resources are in a language other than English; (9) Each year, provide navigation services to link 50 individuals to additional support services, including benefit enrollment and housing; (10) Each year, host or participate in 10 outreach events to share information about Peach Tree’s services, capacity, and resources; reach 100 individuals at these events each year.

ABSTRACT Summary. Destination Tomorrow (DT) is proposing a program to provide substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minority populations at high-risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV infection; DT will focus on LGBTQ+ populations, including transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex persons in the Bronx, NYC. DT will serve 150 unduplicated individuals annually and 750 over the project period. Project name. Bronx Prevention Navigator Program Populations to be served. The populations of focus (POF) will be racial and ethnic minority populations at high-risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV infection. In particular, DT will focus on LGBTQ+ populations, including transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex persons. The catchment area where services will be delivered will be the Bronx, in New York City, with a focus on underserved areas of the South Bronx. Strategies/interventions. Program activities will include: 1) conduct a needs assessment to gather information on the POF; 2) mobilize and build capacity to address SU, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STI prevention services; 3) develop a data-driven, comprehensive strategic plan based on the results from the needs assessment; 4) implement evidence-based programs, practices, and strategies; and 5) provide ongoing monitoring and performance assessment of project activities using process and outcome evaluation techniques as well as continuous quality improvement (CQI). DT will implement 4 EBPs: SBIRT; Motivational Interviewing (MI); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Seeking Safety. Project goals and measurable objectives. The proposed goal is to provide substance use and HIV prevention services to diverse SGM youth and young adults, including MSM, MSMW, as well as those who identify as LGBTQI+ in the service area, including those who are unstably housed and are at risk for HIV/AIDS. Objectives include: 1) Within 2 months, conduct and complete a needs assessment; 2) Within 4 months, develop a data-driven, comprehensive strategic plan based on the results from the needs assessment that is culturally and linguistically age- appropriate; 3) Within 6 months, identify at least 5 agencies in year one and 8 in subsequent years to participate in capacity building and mobilization activities; 4) Collaborate with at least 8 community sector partners per year through formalized collaborations and partnerships to implement comprehensive, community-based substance misuse, HIV, hepatitis, and other prevention strategies; 5) Conduct targeted outreach and recruitment activities, reaching 800 persons per year; 6) Develop social media tools and campaigns to conduct public messaging and awareness campaigns delivered via social media and community events on the risk of substance misuse among individuals living with HIV, the importance of seeking care and treatment, and mental health promotion, reaching 1,500 persons per year; 7) Provide referrals to HIV, STD, and HCV testing for at least 150 persons per year; 8) Provide 12 prevention education community workshops per year for at least 150 program participants per workshop regarding substance misuse prevention education, mental health promotion, and HIV risk factor and risk reduction education services; 9) Screen at least 50 persons from the POF per year for substance misuse using evidence-based screening tools; 10) Provide navigation to SUD treatment and recovery support for 75% of program participants screening positive for treatment needs; 11) Provide navigation to HIV, STI and HCV care and treatment for 95% of those who screen positive; 12) Provide navigation services to 75% of enrolled clients in need of behavioral health services to link individuals to care for mental health disorders, substance misuse; 13) Provide referrals to 75% of participants to supportive case management, counseling, motivational interviewing, referrals, and linkages.

SAMHSA NOFO: SP-25-005. Prevention Navigator Project Name: JWCH Young Men’s Connection (YMC) Project Synopsis: The JWCH YMC project's purpose is to provide substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minority populations at high-risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV infection. This will be achieved through outreach, SUD and HIV prevention education, HIV/STI/viral hepatitis testing, referrals to SUD and HIV care and treatment services, education for providers on SUD and HIV care and treatment services, as well as PrEP/PEP, and community level prevention campaigns using Community PROMISE. Population: The priority population will be unstably housed African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx men having sex with men (MSM0, of ages 18-35 who reside in SPA 4 (Downtown LA to East Hollywood) of LA County. Strategies and Interventions: Using the strategic prevention framework (SPF) model, JWCH will use two Community Health Workers to implement the following evidence-based interventions: (1) Outreach (physical and virtual), (2) SUD/HIV prevention education, (3) education to SUD and HIV care and treatment providers, (4) referrals to SUD/HIV/STI care/treatment services, (5) HIV/STI/hep testing, and (6) education campaigns using Community PROMISE, a communication campaign focused on reducing stigma related to SUD/HIV, to reach individuals of priority populations. Project Goals: 1. To reduce substance use among the population of focus 2. To increase access and engagement in care and optimize health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities at risk for SUD and HIV; 3. To reduce HIV-related health disparities by strengthening integration of care through case management; 4. To reduce new HIV infections, and provide treatment to persons with Hepatitis B/C infections; 5. To address HIV through the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy with a key focus on increasing the number of people who are HIV positive who receive HIV-related health care.

The TransLatin@ Coalition will implement Prevention Navigation for Transgender, Gender Non-conforming, and Intersex (TGI) individuals in Los Angeles County, California. The population of focus is TGI racial and ethnic minorities at risk for HIV and SUD, including individuals experiencing homelessness, immigrants and refugees. A 12-week evidence-based Seeking Safety group intervention will be implemented alongside individualized peer navigation services. TGI people have higher rates of substance use than the general population, in addition to higher rates of trauma, homelessness, and chronic stress. TGI people are further at risk for SUD, HIV and related infections because they are less likely to seek prevention, testing, and other health services due to fear of discrimination and mistreatment. This project aims to increase access to substance use and HIV prevention services for TGI youth and adults of color who are at high risk for SUD and HIV by implementing peer navigation services in conjunction with a 12-week Seeking Safety group program to link at-risk individuals to trusted, culturally competent prevention and treatment services. The impact of these activities will be a decrease in undiagnosed HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STIS; a decrease in HIV risk behavior; a decrease in substance use; and improved mental health among TGI youth and adults in Los Angeles. TLC's Prevention Navigation program will serve 40 individuals annually in Years 1 and 5 and 60 individuals annually in Years 2-4, for a total of 260 individuals over the 5-year grant period. Other project objectives include: *Provide safer sex education for 600 people per year *Provide harm reduction education to 600 people per year *Provide HIV testing and counseling for 260 people per year *Provide Hepatitis C testing and counseling for 25 people per year *Provide linkage to PrEP services for 20 people per year *Provide education to 10 community health organizations per year *Create and publish a promotional video and 100 social media posts over the 5-year grant period.

Community Counseling and Mediation (CCM) is pleased to submit this RFA to provide substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minority populations at high-risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV infection. The program places emphasis on men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), as well as those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Intersex persons (LGBTQI+) who are not in stable housing and/or reside in communities with high rates of HIV, Viral Hepatitis (including Hep A, B, and C), and/or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). CCM has extensive experience providing substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling and conducting HIV out-reach prevention, service linkage in central Brooklyn that is rooted in the cultures and languages of the population of focus. CCM has continuously maintained strong connections to grassroots organizations that are also rooted in our population of focuses cultural and linguistic needs. CCM has five NYS licensed outpatient Mental Health clinics providing counseling, psychiatric psychological, and psychosocial assessments and diagnosis, and two substance abuse treatment programs which are OASAS licensed 822 treatment program. Since 1991, CCM has served thousands of clients living with HIV/AIDS through a wide range of prevention and treatment programs. We provided targeted HIV related programming, including prevention and education, case management, housing, and individual and group counseling to children, youth, single adults, and families; on-site psychiatric and psychotropic medication management; and on-site and nearby alcohol and substance abuse treatment. The target population to be served by the proposed initiative titled CCM’s TAPS will be primarily Caribbean- and African-Americans and Latino gay, bisexual, transgender and straight men and their families who are 18 and older and dealing with substance abuse issues, have a co-occurring dual diagnosis and who either have or are at-risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. A special emphasis will be on Central Brooklyn, which includes Bedford Stuyvesant (CD3), Crown Heights and Prospect Heights (CD8), South Crown Heights (CD9), Flatbush and Midwood (CD14), Brownsville (CD16) and East Flatbush (CD17) as well as branching out into the other NYC boroughs. Utilizing the evidence-based theories of, 1-Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC) and 2-Many Men, Many Voices (3MV) 3-Motivational Interviewing (MI) 4-Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 5-Contingency Management (CM) 6- Integrated Treatment, our program will provide expanded and enhanced risk assessment for acquiring HIV and/or hepatitis C infection and meet the nation’s achievement of the 90-90-90 goals regarding HIV status and treatment. The cohort of clients to be reached annually 60 men ages 18 and older will receive additional coordinated and integrated services through the co-location of SUD, co-occurring and recovery support services as well as onsite HIV/AIDS testing and case management services; including linkage and provision of HIV care and treatment; Hepatitis testing, vaccination, and referral/linage for and case management; housing support services; outreach; and enhancement and expansion of infrastructure and capacity to retain clients in SUD/COD and HIV/AIDS care. In partnership with Heights Hill Mental Health Service Community Advisory Board (CAB), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Spring Hill Wellness (SHW), We All Really Matter (WARM), Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center (BPMC), and NYC Department of Probation located in Central Brooklyn, we will provide comprehensive, culturally competent services that link substance use and mental health treatment and prevention services with HIV and hepatitis prevention and medical care services for clients in racial/ethnic minority communities and for individuals at high risk for or living with HIV.

CareFirst Foundation, Inc. of North Miami, Florida is submitting a proposal to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in response to NOFO SP-23-005, titled FY 2023 Minority AIDS Initiative: The Substance Use and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention Navigator Program for Racial/Ethnic Minorities (Short Title: Prevention Navigator). The purpose of this program is to provide substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minority populations at high-risk for substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV infection. The program emphasizes men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), as well as those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Intersex persons (LGBTQI+) who are not in stable housing and/or reside in communities with high rates of HIV, Viral Hepatitis (including Hep A, B, and C), and/or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). CareFirst Foundation, Inc., through its Healthy Miami 305 Program, is proposing to use a navigation approach to expedite services for these populations. The program will provide training and education around the risks of substance use, provide testing and education on HIV/AIDS, HCV, and STI to a total of 1,000 unduplicated at-risk (200 per year x 5 years) individuals, and provide needed linkages to service provision for individuals with HIV. CareFirst Foundation, Inc., is requesting $1,500,000 in federal funds over five years (September 30, 2023 – September 29, 2028) for this program. With these funds, CareFirst's program will accomplish these goals: Increase the identification of individuals whose patterns of substance use put them at risk for HIV. Increase awareness of HIV status among the population(s) of focus. Decrease the behavior patterns of HIV and substance use that put individuals at risk by implementing evidence-based services/practices (EBS/P). The program will be implemented in Florida (Miami-Dade County), one of the localities hardest hit by the HIV epidemic.

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Department of Public Health 2021 HIV prevalence reports indicate a 48.2% HIV Seroprevalence and 27.3% increase in VH (Hepatitis) among Illinois Cook County African Americans. The same prevalence reports reveal that African Americans accounted for over half of the County's individuals diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders. The above report pressed Fola Community Action Services, Inc. (FCAS) to design this SAMHSA (FY) 2023 Prevention Navigator project for minorities whose race is African American, whose ethnicity is neither Hispanic nor Latino, whose gender is male, whose sexual orientations include men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), as well as those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Intersex persons (LGBTQI+), whose primary language is English, MSM ages 18 to 35, MSMW/LGBTQ+ ages 25 years and older, whose socioeconomic status include individuals who are not in stable housing, living in households below Federal poverty guidelines; with a 14.2% unemployment rate, 57% with no High School Diploma, assessed as at risk and high-risk for HIV/AIDS and substance use disorders, residing in the geographic catchment area of Cook County, Illinois State-communities identified as having high rates of HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). FCAS is requesting $300,000 to serve 75 unduplicated eligible members of the target population per year and $1,500,000 to serve 375 unduplicated participants during the 5-year project term. 60% will be MSM, 30% will be MSMW, and 10% LGBTQI+. Approach: FCAS will use a navigation approach involving African American Peer Navigators perceived by other African American peers as possessing shared identities to provide: (1) substance use and HIV evidence-based and evidence-based interventions and strategies, which includes Cognitive-behavioral trauma-informed Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling services, Risk-Based/Risk-targeted HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STI testing, CDC-approved Empowerment, and 3MV Evidence-Based HIV behavioral group interventions, effective condom use skill training. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) referrals for High-Risk Negatives, utilizing SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF); and (2) extensive outreach services to high-risk populations using social media and social marketing strategies. The aim is to reduce illicit substance use, reduce and prevent HIV transmission , and improve the overall health of the targeted populations. The goals are: (1) Reduce HIV risk behavior and reduce the incidence of HIV epidemics among the target populations. (2). Increase the number of HIV+ participants linked to HIV medical care receiving ART. . (3). Increase knowledge of condom use. (4). Decrease illicit substance use among the target populations. Measurable objectives and outcomes are: By 09/30/2028: (a) Decrease from 100% to 50% project participants' high-risk behavior and episodes of unprotected sex. (b) Increase from 45% to 80% number of HIV+ project participants linked to HIV care receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for twelve consecutive months. (c) ) Increase by 90% the number of project participants demonstrating knowledge of and consistent condom use and condom negotiation skills and ability to use condoms correctly during sexual intimacies. (d)Increase by 90% the number of project participants reporting abstinence from illicit drug use for six consecutive months in a year.

Organization: Williams & Associates, Inc. Erise Williams, Jr., MPH, President and CEO St. Louis, MO. 63115-1700 314-385-1935 (Phone) 314-385-3011 (Fax) www.minorityhealthstl.org erisejr@minorityhealthstl.org Summary: With funding through SAMHSA's Minority AIDS Initiative: The Substance Use and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention Navigator Program for Racial/Ethnic Minorities will extend an existing program initially developed with CSAT funding into a more comprehensive and robust network of partners to increase engagement in care for racial and ethnic medically underserved individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) and/or co-occurring SUDs and mental health conditions (COD) who are at risk for or living with HIV, with emphasis on navigating services for persons re-entering the community from incarceration. Project Name: St. Louis Strong: Prevention Navigator Program (PNP) For Minority Focused Substance Use and HIV. Population(s) to be served: The population of focus for this initiative is Black/African American individuals 25 years and older with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and/or Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) who are at high risk for or living with HIV/AIDS, with particular regard to Black MSM/MSM/W re-entering the community from incarceration. LGBTQA+. Strategies/Interventions: The project will use the following Evidence-Based Practices: Motivational Interviewing (MI); Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Peer Support, ; and the SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit. Goals and Objectives: Provide substance use and HIV prevention services to racial and ethnic minority populations at high risk for substance use disorders and HIV infection, with regard to formerly incarcerated or recently released Black MSM and MSM/W, 25 years and older. St. Louis Strong: Prevention Navigator Program (PNP) For Minority Focused Substance Use and HIV Initiative Objectives: 1.Needs Assessment Four months after the award, conduct 5 focus groups, 5 key informant interviews, and 50 surveys on alcohol consumption, drug use, HIV/AIDS incidence, and prevalence rates among the focus population. 2. Capacity Building: Mobilize and build capacity to address SU, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STI prevention services by establishing Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) with 4 key providers serving the population of focus to coordinate services and prevent the onset of SU, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STI prevention services among high-risk racial ethnic minority populations. We aim to have these MOAs established within four months of receiving funding. 3. Strategic Plan Develop a comprehensive data-driven strategic plan based on the results from the needs assessments that is culturally and linguistically age-appropriate within four months of the project. Number of people to be served: The project will serve 289 annually, 1,445 throughout the life of the project.

Project Abstract Community Rehabilitation Center (CRC) proposes to implement Project AIM am HIV/Hepatitis prevention model, specifically targeting males who have sex with other males (MSM), men who have sex with men and women (MSMW, and other LGBTQI+ individuals who are at high-risk for HIV/Viral Hepatitis (VH) infection and are not in stable housing in Duval County, Florida. Duval County is listed as one of the localities hardest hit by the HIV epidemic by the Department of Health and Human Services. Project AIM will utilize a prevention navigation approach aimed at expediting and enhancing outreach, access, and linkage to services. Project AIM will serve 360 at-risk minority MSM/MSMW/LGBTQI+ adults who are not in stable housing and reside in the Duval County over the span of five years. Project AIM will execute the work-plan by recruiting, hiring/reassigning and training competent staff comprised of the following: Project Director (PD), Lead Navigator (LN), two Prevention Navigator (PNs), Prevention Support Specialist (PSS), and External Evaluator (Eval). The following are the Overall project goals following the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF): 1) Conduct a thorough needs assessment of targeted population HIV/VH prevalence, substance abuse incidence, gaps in services, and identification of priorities. 2) Develop and enhance local capacity and mobilize community resources to implement a Prevention Navigator model to prevent and reduce the onset of SA and transmission of HIV and VH among minority youth and young adult 3) Develop a data-driven, comprehensive, strategic plan resulting from the documented community needs assessment that articulates the proposed project’s vision for minority young adults targeted by Project AIM. 4) Implement culturally-appropriate, evidence-based, Prevention Navigation program targeting outreach, SU/HIV/VH prevention, testing, and identification of high risk individuals to prevent and reduce the onset of SU, HIV, and VH transmission among high-risk individuals 5) Provide ongoing monitoring and performance assessment of project activities.

Project Name: Puerto Rican Cultural Prevention Navigator The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) proposes providing substance abuse, HIV, and Hepatitis prevention services for Black and Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals who have sex with men (TSM) who are HIV positive or at risk for HIV/AIDS living in metropolitan Chicago who are at high-risk for substance use disorder (SUD). PRCC will also provide or partner with organizations to provide assistance with basic needs and supportive services so that our target population remains engaged in HIV, VH, and substance use services. In addition, PRCC will leverage existing resources within our organization, such as existing partnerships and collaborations, certified HIV and Hepatitis counseling and testing staff, and staff who has vast experience working with the target population. The target population resides in Chicago and is located in Cook County in northeastern Illinois. Chicago’s metropolitan area is the third largest in the United States. Nearly 75% of the population of the state of Illinois lives in the Chicago metropolitan area, which covers over 7000 square miles. Whites remain a majority (45%), followed by African Americans (29%), Latinos (28%), and Asians (6%). From 2000-2010, both White and African-American populations saw reduced numbers of 4.7% and 4.3% respectively. The largest growth was between Latinos (1.8 million) and Asians (more than 500,000) populations, representing a growth of 29.4% and 36.6% respectively. In 2019, an estimated 1,189,700 people had HIV. reported male-to-male sexual contact are disproportionately affected by HIV. Social and Gay, bisexual, and other men who structural issues—such as HIV stigma, homophobia, discrimination, poverty, and limited access to high-quality health care—influence health outcomes and continue to drive inequities. Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who reported male-to-male sexual contact are disproportionately affected by HIV. In 2019, Black/African American gay and bisexual men accounted for 26% (9,421) of the 36,801 new HIV diagnoses and 37% of new diagnoses among all gay and bisexual men. Nearly 1 million people identify as transgender in the United States (US), and transgender people made up 2% (671) of new HIV diagnoses in the US and dependent areas in 2019. PRCC objectives are as follows: Number of Unduplicated Individuals to be Served with Award Funds Year 1: 225, Year 2: 225, Year 3: 225, Year 4: 225 Year 5: 225, Total 1,125 1. By the end of project years 2-5, PRCC will provide the Respect Intervention (HIV testing) to 300 Hispanic/Latinx/Black men. Year 1 will have 9 months of direct services and provide Respect to 75 Hispanic/Latinx/Black men. 2. By the end of project years 2-5, PRCC will provide Hepatitis C testing 600 Hispanic/Latinx/Black men. Year 1 will have 9 months of direct services and provide Hepatitis C testing to 150 Hispanic/Latinx/Black men. 3. By the end of project years 2-5, PRCC will provide the Mpowerment intervention to 100 Hispanic men. Year 1 will have 9 months of direct services and provide Mpowerment to 50 Hispanic/Latinx/Black men. 4. By the end of project year 2-5, PRCC will provide the 3MV intervention to 50 Hispanic/Latinx/Black men. Year 1 will have 9 months of direct services and provide 3MV to 25 Hispanic/Latinx/Black men.