AEGiS-NHIVPC: MAWOCI: A Novel Program Providing Transportable Prevention Education, Rapid HIV Testing, Free CD4+ Testing, and Linkage to Medical Care for Women of Color in Atlanta, GA

National HIV Prevention Conference

Atlanta, Georgia, USA — July 27 - 30, 2003

MAWOCI: A Novel Program Providing Transportable Prevention Education, Rapid HIV Testing, Free CD4+ Testing, and Linkage to Medical Care for Women of Color in Atlanta, GA

Natl HIV Prev Conf 2003 July 27-30:abstract no. M1-G0502
Thompson MA, Williams S, Williams K, Churn I, Dixon-Diallo D, Haynes M, Jackson S, Lawrence A, Miller L, Moss J, Rucker A, Sanders J, Sinclair E, Sweeton B, Thomas C, Vasser R, White E, Garner T
AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

ISSUE: African American women account for an increasing proportion of newly reported AIDS cases in Georgia. In this population there is significant stigma against HIV testing, a high rate of non-return for test results, and there are multiple obstacles to access to care once HIV infection has been diagnosed.

SETTING: Community settings including health fairs, housing projects, churches,college campuses, homeless and battered women's shelters.

PROJECT: The Metro Atlanta Women of Color Initiative (MAWOCI) was established by the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta (ARCA) as a mobile program that can be implemented in diverse community settings frequented by women of color. The program includes culturally sensitive prevention education integrated with intensive counseling and on-site, free, rapid HIV testing. Participants receive surveys before and after counseling and testing to assess behavioral risk , reasons for testing, and evaluation of the rapid test experience. For those with positive rapid tests, confirmatory testing and a CD4+ cell count are performed free of charge. Education about HIV and treatment options is provided by experienced HIV clinicians and counselors. Eligibility for care in public or private settings is evaluated, an appointment within one week is made, transportation needs are addressed, and case management follow-up is established. Incentives including refreshments, transportation tokens, and a variety of small gifts are provided.

RESULTS: Between July and September, 2002 fifteen staff members were trained and certified by the Georgia Department of Human Resources as HIV pre- and post-test counselors. ARCA conducted additional education to address counseling issues associated with rapid testing. Staff were also trained by SisterLove, Inc. to facilitate Healthy Love parties including condom demonstrations and negotiation skills. Resources of community-based organizations were mapped in a database, and alliances were made with groups already providing one or more services to women of color. Capacity and health plan participation was assessed for 50 MDs experienced in HIV care and 6 public clinics in order to make appropriate patient referrals. The initial program was piloted on a small scale on site at the ARCA clinic in order to assess issues associated with rapid testing before transporting the program off site to community settings including local churches, public housing projects, college campuses, battered women's shelters, and homeless shelters. Lack of return for test results has been <1%. Full data from the program through June, 2003 will be presented.

LESSONS LEARNED: Rapid testing has been uniformly well received by clients. Condom negotiation workshops have been enthusiastically attended. Interventions for women of color must be accessible, safe, culturally sensitive, and provide linkage to care in order to be effective.

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