Pillar Three:

Prevent

This strategy aims to implement PrEP and SSPs to prevent HIV. As indicated in the epidemiologic profile, Black young adults and younger age groups, particularly people under 30 years of age, make up the largest proportion of people seen by PrEP providers and consistently have the lowest prescription rates. In addition, the epidemiologic profile reports that nearly 50% of persons who inject drugs and present at the emergency department are White males,and 19% are White females with little awareness of PrEP.

Conduct focus groups with priority groups to understand people’s knowledge and understanding of STIs (e.g., partner notification, medication adherence) using culturally relevant language

Recruit key participants for focus groups. Create focus groups to identify general health literacy.

Increase the percentage of politicians who use their power and influence to implement HIV prevention focused planning by 75%

Attend City Council meetings on a quarterly basis to inform them of the need for HIV education in Memphis. Attend “Day on the Hill” to discuss the epidemic in Memphis and the need for PrEP start-up clinics.

Implement PrEP starter kits for populations at highest risk for contracting HIV

Identify providers and resources who currently prescribe PrEP, and increase their capacity to implement same-day start. Create PrEP “pop-up” experiences at venues where those most at risk congregate (e.g., social sexual networking events, parties) within the community.

Increase expedited partner therapy using on-demand PEP for those newly diagnosed

Develop an awareness campaign, using testimonials from users of PEP. Shelby County Health Department will begin offering PEP to newly diagnosed individuals’ partners.

Provide access to PrEP to high-risk individuals to keep them HIV negative

Develop high-risk assessment tool such as a questionnaire, survey, or billboard to help people to identify their high-risk behaviors. Use the tool to encourage individuals to seek treatment. Advertise PrEP in “hook-up” apps in pop-up ads and in social media apps.

Increase awareness of HIV-related disparities and health inequities through various artistic mediums (e.g. photography, live music, monologues) that are accessible to the community

Host an art showcase with live music and personal monologues from people who are HIV positive or negative and can share their thoughts about living with HIV or remaining negative. Create art-based events for different age groups.

Identify 5-7 facilities to serve as condom distribution centers to increase condom accessibility and use

Develop a condom distribution plan, including marketing. Identify nontraditional agencies to distribute condoms (e.g., nursing homes, mental health facilities, community centers, etc.).

Improve HIV prevention within the 45-55 years and older community

Introduce the target population to alternative digital resources for 45-55 year-olds (Adult Sex Ed online), Facebook livestreams. Collaborate with local male stakeholders to organize and integrate prevention education and safer sex programming specifically for diverse groups of men.

Eliminate disparities by creating streams of continuous education methods that focus on reducing stigma, how to support effective care, and how to improve prevention strategies

Implement education program for youth and young adults that is conducted by established community groups. Partner with Southeast AIDS Education & Training Center (AETC) to facilitate virtual continuing education on this topic.

Reduce new HIV diagnoses by increasing availability and accessibility of PrEP locations and prescribers of PrEP

Identify all current and potential PrEP providers and invite them to participate in Clinician Roundtable to determine capacity needs. Survey Clinician Roundtable participants to determine capacity needs.

Prevent

Treat

Respond