CCHAP: Campus and Community HIV and Addiction Prevention

Issues: It is well known that one of the challenges to prevention among African Americans is lack of awareness of HIV status. In response to this, the Campus and Community HIV and Addiction Prevention (CCHAP) project was created.

Description: The CCHAP project aims to test 4000 individuals age 18-24, over three years, who reside in an area with the highest rates of HIV in Georgia. Utilizing a CBPR approach, partnerships were established to implement testing activities at colleges, malls, churches, and barbershops. Bi-weekly testing events were established at the colleges and monthly events at community sites. During testing, counselors used motivational interviewing to discuss personal risk behaviors and develop client action plans to identify safer goal behaviors with participants.

Lessons Learned: In its first year, CCHAP tested 910 individuals. Ninety-nine percent identified as African American, 42% were 18-24, 23% stated they had never been tested previously for HIV, and 10 persons tested positive for HIV. Moving into year 2, CCHAP will foster relationships built with college and community partners, and focus on bolstering recruitment of community residents in target age range.  

Recommendations: Testing alone cannot prevent the transmission of HIV, which is why in its second year the CCHAP project will implement evidence-based interventions to heighten awareness and knowledge of HIV prevention techniques. Environmental strategies such as, condom machines will also be implemented. Two colleges have agreed to the installation of 30 condom machines that will placed in various locations on campus.