The Benefits of Adapting a Bundled Intervention that Advances the Elimination of Health Disparity and Health Outcomes Improvement among Black Women Living with HIV in an Urban Setting

Event Description

African Americans continue to face the most burden of HIV compared to any other racial or ethnic groups in the US with Black women feeling the sharpest sting of this epidemic. In 2018, Black women accounted for approximately 60% of new HIV diagnoses despite making up less than 15% of the female population. While HIV diagnoses among women have declined over the past few years, thanks to robust public health efforts, HIV/AIDS related illness is still among the leading causes of death for Black women. A plethora of challenges contributes to this epidemic including lack of access to health care, and stigma, all underscoring the need for innovative efforts to address this health disparity. The Ambulatory Health Services (AHS) of Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) has designed the Sisterhood for Health Equity (SHE), a bundled intervention designed to improve the care treatment for Black women and eliminate the disparities they face using a three pronged approach: (1) Red Carpet Care intervention, delivering enhanced clinical and social services to select patients; (2)Trauma-informed Care, creating a care environment and care based on the recognition of trauma and its impact on health and engagement in care; and (3) the Prime Time Sister Circle Program, a 12-week culturally responsive program supporting and nurturing women’s self-efficacy. Preliminary results have shown women adopting healthier lifestyles, weight loss, improved engagement in the HIV Care Continuum.

Objectives

1. Develop strategies from best practices that will engage and assist community stakeholders in strengthening their practices. 
2. Understand the importance and impact of bundled interventions that includes self-efficacy 
3. Understand the critical dynamics involved in creating a bundled intervention that advances health equity and improve health outcomes for Black Women Living.

Speakers

Alexandra Dongala, MPH

Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Alexandra (she/her) is a Maryland native who is passionate about educating others regarding their sexual health/wellness, bodily autonomy, and reproductive rights. She currently works as the Women’s Health Coordinator for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)

Alexa Primavera, BS

Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Alexa Primavera (she/her/hers) is currently an MD/MPH dual degree student at Drexel University College of Medicine. She works for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health as an HIV program assistant. Alexa is passionate about identifying, studying, and mitigating barriers to healthcare for women with HIV. As a future OB/GYN, she is excited to use her experience in PDPH and learning about social determinants of health to better serve women and their health needs.