Illinois HIV care connect: A social media project between the state affiliate and the state health department

The purpose of this presentation is to showcase a social media project for HIV/AIDS outreach developed by the Illinois Public Health Association in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health. This presentation will discuss the gaps in HIV services that currently exist with many of the at-risk populations and IPHA's targeted outreach to key stakeholders and providers in order to connect at-risk populations with the HIV care consortium in their area. Specifically, the focus of the project was to link individuals with existing HIV services, resulting in ongoing primary care and increased adherence with treatment. Outreach activities strategically targeted providers and service professionals that have contact with individuals who may or may not know their HIV status and are not in care, have not returned for treatment services or do not adhere to treatment plans. This presentation will describe how an effective and successful partnership with key allied health partners will further strengthen an Affiliate's standing as the leader in advocacy and education to support the public health system. A key outcome of the project was the creation of a web site for health care professionals which will be highlighted during the short presentation.