HIV Care Connect, an initiative funded by the Merck Foundation and led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, works to reduce disparities in HIV care for vulnerable and underserved communities in the Southeastern United States.
The initiative consisted of three sites across the South. HIV Care Connect has been connecting individuals with HIV to high-quality care, treatment and support since 2019.
In 2017, the South made up 52% (19,968) of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
HIV Care Connect Program Partners
Using a community-based approach HIV Care Connect program partners are implementing projects in underserved communities. The interventions focus on improving access, linkage and retention in care for people of color living with HIV in the Southeastern United States.
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Social determinants of health—factors such as economic stability, neighborhood and physical environment, education, stigma, social context and trust in health care systems—contribute significantly to disparities among persons living with HIV in underserved U.S. communities.
To help address persistent HIV disparities in the U.S., Merck Foundation launched HIV Care Connect. This multi-site initiative aims to reduce disparities in access to care and improve health outcomes for people of color living with HIV in vulnerable and underserved communities in the Southeastern United States.
