Mt. Olive One-Stop Center: The role of the faith community in promoting HIV prevention

ISSUE: HIV continues to ravage the African American community, with rates of infection higher than any other race or ethnicity. Prevention approaches in traditional health care settings may not always reach those most at-risk for infection, particularly within minority communities. The faith community, however, plays a significant role in promoting the health and wellness of African Americans by increasing awareness, distributing critical information, and supporting healthy choices. The faith community can also play a pivotal role in providing HIV prevention services and identifying solutions to this continued public health challenge. DESCRIPTION: The Mt. Olive One-Stop Center, a collaborative partnership between a local University and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio, was opened in January 2007 to provide a neighborhood-based outreach center offering free HIV and hepatitis testing, health education, substance abuse support groups, and a host of other services to persons within the community. LESSONS LEARNED: Since its inception, the Mt. Olive One-Stop Center has served 5085 persons, 75% African American. The primary service of interest among persons accessing the One-Stop is HIV testing, with 99% getting tested for HIV. Thirty-eight positives have been identified (0.8% sero-positivity rate) and linked to appropriate services. RECOMMENDATIONS: The One-Stop has established itself as a trusted source of prevention and support within the community. It is now in the process of expanding its services to include an on-site modular unit that will offer substance abuse treatment and basic primary medical care.