In the fight against HIV, Care Resource stands out for more than just our unwavering commitment to the cause. Our work is marked by a unique blend of compassion and competence, which has led to recent achievements in HIV diagnosis and linkage. Among them is our comprehensive high-impact HIV prevention program that targets young men of color who have sex with men (MSM) and young transgender persons of color, which has become a cornerstone of our detection and prevention efforts.
Out of the 26 health centers directly funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we have emerged as a true leader in identifying people newly diagnosed with HIV. In a recently released CDC report, the numbers speak for themselves – our Health Promotion & Prevention Department identified a remarkable 52 people newly diagnosed between April and September 2022. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that these 52 cases accounted for 31% of all new infections nationwide for the CDC program. This translated into exceeding our health center’s goal by a staggering 650%.
It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the lives we’re touching. Every single one of these newly diagnosed individuals was linked to medical care, showing our commitment to providing immediate support and guidance to those in need. Although our goal is to end the HIV epidemic, early detection helps to place patients into care quickly and to obtain an undetectable status.
Our commitment to linkage to care via Test & Treat and transformative programs like Project DARE have also been instrumental in our mission. Project DARE (Disparities in Care Addressed through Access, Retention, and Equity) targets both Miami-Dade County and Broward County to break access barriers. This initiative places a specific focus on addressing disparities in health outcomes for low-income individuals of color, MSM, and transgender individuals living with HIV. By identifying barriers to healthcare access and providing a comprehensive range of services to mitigate these vulnerabilities, Project DARE has played a pivotal role in our success in linking and retaining those living with HIV into medical care.
A significant part of our success is also owed to our extensive outreach initiatives. Our mobile HIV testing fleet has been instrumental in taking HIV testing and care directly into under-resourced communities, ensuring inclusive accessibility for all. Our innovative at-home HIV testing further removes barriers to entry and our partnerships within the community have also expanded our reach, allowing us to connect with even more individuals who can benefit from our services. These collaborations amplify our impact and unite us in our mission to end HIV.
Over the past 40 years, Care Resource has consistently exceeded expectations in early detection, fostered community support through outreach and partnerships, and made a significant impact through initiatives like the CDC’s high-impact HIV prevention program and Project DARE. Our unwavering commitment, compassion, and competence have been at the core of our success, providing vital support to those affected by HIV/AIDS. We are not just a healthcare provider but a beacon of hope, striving to create a brighter, healthier, and HIV-free future for all.
