Theme: Models of Care Year: 2024
Background: Women are making up an increasing number of the PWID population and there has been an increase in the incidence of both HCV and HIV in this demographic. In 2021, the PWID population accounted for approximately 7% of the 31,136 new HIV diagnoses in the United States. Women who inject drugs accounted for 3% of those cases. According to a CDC report from 2019, only 10% of the women who could benefit from PrEP were currently utilizing it. The same report showed that women accounted for approximately 19% of those newly diagnosed with HIV (55% black women/13% of the population, 22% white women/62% of the population, and 18% Hispanic/Latina women/17% of the population).
Methods: Taking note of these trends, in 2022, the Hep C Cure Squad recognized the importance of offering PrEP, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and HIV testing/treatment alongside our HCV services. Our patient encounters take place in a variety of settings, including both in-patient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, substance abuse treatment centers, needle exchanges, community centers, or even during incarceration. Meeting patients in these settings allows for the unique opportunity to implement strategies to eliminate the stigma associated with PrEP and to encourage its utilization and offer protection against HIV in this vulnerable population.
Results: The Hep C Cure Squad was established in 2017 and has screened over 44,000 patients for both HCV and HIV. Since implementing PrEP education and treatment in 2022, we have been able to protect over 741 people from HIV with preventive medication. Our team has utilized reason-based education, point of care testing, telemedicine visits, and specialty pharmacies to achieve this. We also began implementing strategies to eliminate the stigma and misconceptions surrounding PrEP and have seen a significant increase in acceptance of PrEP related interventions. Strategies include Pre Exposure Prophylaxis Education including reason and risk based treatment initiatives, POC testing for HIV along with HCV testing and treatment, same day or quick PrEP Starts.
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