Breaking down cultural borders: African Descent AIDS Mobilization Project (ADAM)

Issue: Nationally, African Americans are disproportionately affected by AIDS. Representing 13% of the US population, African Americans account for 49% of AIDS diagnoses. Based on Riverside County, CA data the average time from HIV diagnosis to AIDS is two years shorter for African Americans as compared to whites. Description: Riverside County Department of Public Health established the African Descent AIDS Mobilization project (ADAM) to address cultural borders inhibiting the timely identification and treatment of HIV/AIDS in African American populations. This presentation will describe accomplishments of ADAM Project, a unique HIV screening program designed to increase early identification of HIV disease in African Americans through a phased-in approach of Afro-centric outreach, education, and counseling. Lessons learned: The project's initial focus was to build trust with the African American community by developing relationships and partnerships with culturally significant organizations such as churches and mosques, black fraternities and sororities, barber shops, and beauty salons. Social entertainment was used as an educational and motivational tool with a goal to reduce denial, stigma, ignorance, and phobias. A mock “funeral” was conducted at a local university in conjunction with African American student organizations to symbolically “bury” stigma and denial. The African American community was invited to several breakfast meetings to facilitate conversations about HIV and AIDS with spiritual and civic leaders. Finally, focused outreach teams provide culturally relevant HIV education and counseling to African American men and women. Recommendations: ADAM project continues to build trust and breakdown barriers among the African American population in Riverside County.