Implementing an HIV Rapid Testing-Linkage-to-Care Project Among Homeless Individuals in Los Angeles County: A Collaborative Effort Between Federal, County, and City Government.
Objectives. We developed and implemented an HIV rapid testing-linkage-to-care initiative between federal and local government. Methods. We used mixed methodology; HIV testing data were collected on-site, and qualitative data were collected via telephone. We used postintervention stakeholder and staff interviews to evaluate barriers and facilitators to this initiative. Results. We tested 817 individuals. We identified and confirmed 7 preliminary HIV positive individuals (0.86% seropositivity), 5 of whom were linked to care. Mean testing cost was $48.95 per client; cost per positive result was $5714. Conclusions. This initiative can be used as a template for other health departments and research teams focusing on homelessness and mitigation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Henry D. Anaya, Jaimi N. Butler, Herschel Knapp, and Erin E. Conners are with the Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative for HIV and Hepatitis (QUERI-HIV/HEP) and Center for the Study of Healthcare Provider Behavior, VA Greater Los Angeles Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center of Excellence, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA. Kee Chan is with the Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA. Sophia F. Rumanes is with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs, Los Angeles, CA.
Henry D
HD
Anaya
Jaimi N
JN
Butler
Herschel
H
Knapp
Kee
K
Chan
Erin E
EE
Conners
Sophia F
SF
Rumanes