Project START

  • Priority Population
    People with HIV, who are currently incarcerated and are leaving jail
  • Setting
    Jail
  • Location
    San Francisco, CA
  • Intervention Focus
    Linkage, Re-engagement, and Retention
  • Study Period
    2010-2013

Summary

Using a client-focused, personalized, Incremental Risk Reduction approach, the Project START intervention improves linkage and retention in care among people with HIV who are leaving correctional facilities to return to the community.

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Intervention Outcomes

Clients were nearly twice as likely to be linked to care within 30 days of their release.
Clients were almost twice as likely to be retained in care across the year of the project.
Clients who received treatment for substance use disorders were 4 times as likely to be linked to care upon release.

Intervention Components

  1. Recruit staff who are familiar with HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis prevention activities and who are familiar with the specific needs of people being released from correctional settings.
  2. Use assessment and documentation tools to provide a structured program.
  3. Conduct enrollment and schedule two pre-release sessions within 2 months before a client’s release from a correctional setting.
  4. Schedule four post-release sessions. Hold the first session as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of release. The next three sessions should be spaced out over 3 months after release.
  5. Ensure the same staff member conducts both pre-release and post-release sessions with clients.
  6. Provide condoms at each post-release session.
  7. Actively maintain contact with clients, using individual-based outreach and program flexibility to determine the best time and place to meet with them.

Cost Analysis

The Project START intervention cost analysis is not currently available. However, you can use the CIE Cost Calculator to create an estimate of the cost of implementing the intervention at your organization.

 

Publications

The Effect of Patient Navigation on the Likelihood of Engagement in Clinical Care for HIV-Infected Individuals Leaving Jail
View Here

Relative Efficacy of a Multisession Sexual Risk–Reduction Intervention for Young Men Released From Prisons in 4 States
View Here

Resources

Tips for Working with People Who Use Drugs—in the Pandemic Era and Beyond
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To Request TA from CDC
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Trainings

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Videos

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