Partnering and Programming for a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Sexual and Gender Minority Pathway to HIV Research.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to conduct innovative research on the health needs of populations whose intersecting identities, such as being Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and sexual and gender identity (SGM) persons, put them at greater risk of HIV infection. More so, as important as it is to train on the best practices, it is as important to train aspiring BIPOC SGM scholars in intersectional HIV science so that they can address the HIV-related issues of BIPOC SGM populations. METHODS: In line with guidelines to increase diversity in the HIV workforce, we sought to (1) solidify the interest of BIPOC SGM trainees engaging in intersectional HIV science by piloting a 2-week Summer Intensive Program, (2) leverage the relationships and resources of our community partner to enhance our recruitment from HBCUs and MSIs, and (3) identify opportunities for postprogram training and mentoring activities. RESULTS: Our data suggest that participants gained a great deal from the instructional sessions. Participants commented on the quality of the sessions, effectiveness of the instructional faculty, and a confirmed interest in HIV science. CONCLUSIONS: We succeeded in promoting interest in and commitment to HIV science among early career BIPOC SGM scholars. An instructional program of this intensity is best suited to those with some experience in graduate school and existing interest in HIV science. As a program serving multiply minoritized populations, clarification of host institution policies and procedures, as well as administrative support, are essential for ensuring a smooth experience for scholars visiting from outside institutions.

The POWER of LEARNing and LEADing Together: Shared Learning Communities.

Southern community-based organizations often lack adequate resources to implement high-quality, culturally appropriate HIV programs and services. Shared learning communities (SLCs) combine in-depth training, tailored coaching, and peer-to-peer learning to strengthen HIV programs and services. This paper describes five SLCs, participant characteristics, and their capacity-building components.

Southern Care: A Rapid Response to Supporting Southern CBOs at the onset of COVID-19.

Southern community-based and HIV/AIDS service organizations (CBOs) were particularly vulnerable to the onset of COVID-19 due to already fragile infrastructures and underfunded budgets. At the height of the pandemic, the Gilead COMPASS Coordinating Centers launched the Southern CARE Grant, awarding 41 grants to provide supplemental operational support funds.

Using Small Grants to SPARK! Substantial Reach to Reduce HIV-related Stigma.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) are well-positioned to address the negative effects of HIV stigma, which is prevalent in the U.S. South. This article describes a Gilead COMPASS-funded small grants and capacity-building program for CBOs to address stigma and describes the broad reach and positive outcomes associated with program implementation.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Southern HIV Service Organizations, Staff, and Clients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated HIV-related disparities and has likely disrupted service provision by organizations providing critical HIV-related services, especially in the U.S. Deep South, an area disproportionately affected by HIV. To assess the impact of COVID-19 on organizations providing services for people living with HIV and/or sexual and gender minorities throughout the Deep South, an online survey was developed and disseminated from January to June 2021 regarding service disruption, organizational changes and needs, and staff and client impact and needs. Organizations reported ongoing organization-level financial and structural complications, staff difficulties including mental health challenges and lack of technology proficiency, and exacerbated challenges for clients including increased mental health concerns, substance use, and housing instability, among others. Organizations will need to be supported as they navigate the exacerbated mental health challenges of clients and staff as well as financially supported as they address economic disparities related to the pandemic.

Adaptation and Preliminary Testing of an Intervention to Reduce Stigma among Individuals Living with HIV in the Deep South.

HIV-related stigma has been implicated as a contributor to the disproportionate impact of HIV in the US Deep South. However, effective interventions aimed at reducing HIV-related stigma are limited in the region. This study adapted and piloted an HIV-related stigma reduction intervention, the UNITY Workshop, for use among people living with HIV in the Deep South following a modified framework of the ADAPT-ITT model and the five principles of Corrigan's Model of Strategic Stigma Change. The adapted intervention, named the YOUNITY Workshop, was conducted in an experiential, group format and focused on enhancing stigma coping skills. Workshop satisfaction was high, and most participants reported acquiring new skills for coping with HIV-related stigma and HIV status disclosure. Participants also reported benefitting from the social support generated from the workshop and desired additional opportunities to connect with others in the future. This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and positive preliminary outcomes of conducting a group-based HIV stigma reduction workshop in the Deep South. Future rigorous testing of the YOUNITY Workshop is planned to better examine health outcomes associated with participation.

HIV Stigma Reduction Through Peer-Led Advocacy Training.

HIV-related stigma is pervasive in the U.S. South and has potential negative effects on health outcomes and emotional well-being, and may act as a barrier to HIV-related advocacy among people living with HIV (PLWH). This article reports on the preliminary outcomes associated with participation in an HIV advocacy training for PLWH, LEAD, that included education and skills building for reducing HIV-related stigma. Fifty-seven PLWH at four sites in the U.S. South participated in the retreat-style training and completed a survey measuring stigma and comfort engaging in advocacy prior to and after the worshop. Participation was associated with statistically significant reduction in internalized HIV stigma and increase in comfort with participation in advocacy; however, participants reported a need for ongoing training and support to further increase comfort with advocacy participation. Although more research is needed on the LEAD Workshop, it shows promise as an option for reducing HIV-related stigma among PLWH.