HIV/STI

Collaboratively working to prevent new HIV/STI infections in Louisiana.

Overview

In 2011, the Louisiana Community AIDS Partnership became LPHI’s HIV/STI team, moving away from the Challenge Grant Program to the inclusion of other STIs and more focused collaborative efforts aligned with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS).

Our mission is to stop the spread of HIV and other STIs and improve the health and quality of life for Louisiana residents living with and vulnerable to HIV/STIs. We will accomplish our mission through collaboration with other individuals, providers, community-based organizations, and agencies to improve how HIV/STI care is delivered; expanding services for HIV/STIs; educating the public and policy makers about HIV/STIs and new approaches to prevent them; and breaking down barriers that prevent people from getting routine care.

Programs and Initiatives

PrEP Education and Navigation Project

The HIV/STI team is working with the Capitol Area Reentry Program to develop, implement and evaluate a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) education and navigation program for young Black gay and bisexual men in the Baton Rouge area. PrEP is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The men who participate in the project will be trained to provide PrEP education and referrals for others in their social networks who may benefit from the medication.

For more information about PrEP, click here.

Louisiana Integrated Center for Care, Supportive Services, and Community Health

The LA ICCSSCH is an initiative working to enhance access to HIV/STI services for young African American men, including Black gay and bisexual men, living with and at risk for HIV infection in Louisiana (with a current focus in New Orleans and Baton Rouge). By developing targeted resources to address the social and economic determinants of health and health care in Louisiana, the program will improve the continuity of care from initial diagnosis of HIV/STIs to linkage and retention in care, thus reducing new HIV/STI cases.

Capacity Building Assistance for Health care Organizations

A technical assistance and training program offered by the Primary Care Development Corporation, in collaboration with LPHI’s HIV/STI team, to provide high-impact HIV prevention services (i.e., routine HIV testing, linkage to care services, and PrEP).

Louisiana HIV Stigma Index Project

A community-based research, engagement, empowerment, and linkage to care project developed in response to HIV stigma. Designed by and for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), the project is documenting the impact of stigma and discrimination among PLWH in New Orleans and Baton Rouge; linking PLWH to HIV care and supportive services; and developing action plans to combat stigma and discrimination.

Safe Space Initiative

Through the Safe Space Initiative, the HIV/STI team is working with the Capitol Area Reentry Program to create a safe, sustainable space for young Black gay and bisexual men in the Baton Rouge area that provides holistic health education and services. 

Team