Routine HIV Community Testing and Partnerships in High Prevalence Urban Areas

AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) created an innovative routine testing partnership with the Department of Human Services and two community based organizations entitled the Bridge Project.  Over three years the project tested 12,079 clients, 62 positive clients were identified (0.5% seropositivity). Of all positives identified, 42 were males (67.4%), 19 (31%) were females, and one (1%) transgender. Over 90% of positives are African-American. The percentage of positive women identified through AFC’s Bridge Project is higher than the 21% reported through traditional city surveillance.

 The Bridge Project found that about 50% of clients who tested in the DHS sites were first time  testers, a key indication that this community testing partnership was identifying and testing individuals who may not have otherwise tested. Testing by the Bridge Project has also has identified an increased number of positive diagnoses among young men who have sex with men.

 In their second year, the partnership implemented a “VIP” linkage to care program. The program provides standing medical appointments and support for patients that are diagnosed with HIV or for DHS clients who have dropped out of care.  Linkages to care rates have increased from 52% to 73% since the VIP program began. The Bridge Project has also integrated routine HCV testing to assess whether offering both tests at the same time makes clients more likely to accept an HIV test. Since implementing HCV screening, 508 DHS clients were tested and 18 positives identified (3.5% seropositivity).