Increasing HIV Science Literacy in the US: AAHU Model African American HIV UniversityScience and Treatment College

AAHUAimed at strengthening organizational and individual capacity to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black communities, the African American HIV University (AAHU) is a

comprehensive training fellowship and scholarship program. The program is designed to decrease stigma and misperception and increase the engagement of the Black community in HIV prevention and treatment services. This is achieved through leadership development and information transfer among key stakeholders.

AAHU Science and Treatment College

The STC curriculum prepares community-based, and AIDS service organizations, and Health Departments on how to improve their performance in the treatment cascade. (CBOs/ASOs) to serve as liaisons between people living with HIV/AIDS and the entities that serve them. STC focuses on HIV and its relationship to human biology, virology, pharmacokinetics, epidemiology, and treatment strategies. By the end of AAHU STC, organizations and their Fellows will be stewards of a living, breathing Black Treatment Advocates Network (BTAN). 

AAHU STC 2013-2014Cohort

11 US Cities 10 States

Atlanta, GA Baltimore, MD

Chicago, ILJackson, MS

Kingston, JamaicaLittle Rock, AR

Los Angeles, CA Melbourne, FL

Oakland, CARichmond, VASt. Paul, MN

Washington, DC

ArkansasCalifornia

District of ColumbiaFlorida

Georgia Illinois

Maryland MinnesotaMississippi

Virginia

16 Fellows representing eleven U.S. Cities, ten States and Jamaica:

AAHU STC TrainingsTraining 1: Science Academy (30 Days)

Internship 1 Training 2: Community Mobilization (7 Days)

Internship 2 Training 3: Program Planning, Implementation, &

Evaluation (7 Days) Internship 3

Training 4: Advanced Science and Presentation Skills (7 days) Internship 4

STC Internship Periods 60-90 day internships allow Fellows to apply the skills and

knowledge gained during trainings.

Internships allow Fellows to demonstrate proficiency in executing key components of each training, that establishes a (or contributes to an existing) Black Treatment Advocates Network (BTAN).

Fellows have specific assignments during internships such as conducting face-to-face meetings with local ASOs, CBOs, health department staff, research institutions, and other potential BTAN partners.

AAHU STC Training 130-day Science Academy

HIV Science & Treatment Knowledge Assessment 30-Day Boot Camp

57%57%

90%90%

*Scores over 100% indicate extra credit awarded

Fellows’ Feedback

“Having the opportunity to get a

firm foundation on basic sciences and

the HIV lifecycle and how they both

impact HIV treatment.”

“Having the actual medical practitioners, researchers and scientists instructing us was like an experience that can't

be matched by any other training I have ever experienced.”

“The site visits gave tremendous insight into the behind the scenes real-life action of the war against HIV.”

Internship 1: From Boot Camp to the Battlefield 16 STC Fellows trained approximately 500 people in

their local areas.Chicago Fellows, facilitated three post-boot camp

presentations. Approximately 70 participants were trained on the

following topics: The Origin of HIV &Basic HIV Science Average pre-test of participants 40.2% Average post-test of participants 94.2%

The mission of the Black Treatment Advocates Network (BTAN) is to increase patient access to and utilization of treatment and care, strengthen local leadership and advocate for policy change in Black

communities.

BTAN is guided by the premise that when people understand the science of HIV/AIDS they are:

Less likely to participate in stigmatizing behavior

More likely to access treatment Better able to adhere to their regimens Better positioned to influence HIV policy

Internship 2: BTAN Responding to the Needs of the Community

Local BTAN Projects

Internship 2: BTAN Responding to the Needs of the Community

13 STC Fellows facilitated trainings on HIV Science and Treatment. Total reach was approximately 450 people in their local areas.

8 BTAN cities hosted National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day reaching 925 people.

Internship 2 reach: 1,375 people

Total Fellowship reach: 1,875 people

BTAN National Black HIV Awareness Day PrEP Events

The following BTAN cities hosted NBHAAD PrEP themed events:

BTAN Little RockBTAN Bay AreaBTAN Atlanta

BTAN Los AngelesBTAN Minneapolis

BTAN BrowardBTAN Jackson

BTAN Louisiana

Reaching 925 individuals

Training 3: Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation Internship 3

Training 4: Advance Science Skills Internship 4

Local BTAN Projects

Summary of Quantitative and Qualitative Measures

HIV Science & Treatment Retention

57% 57% 90% 90% 84% 84% 87% 87% 92% 92%

HIV Science & Treatment Retention

57% 57% 92% 92%

7 New BTAN Chapters 6 Re-launched

BTAN Chapters

1,875 People Trained

520 People Tested

350 New BTAN Members

Community Impact

10 New Community Partnerships

Black AIDS Institute: Strategic Model

THANK YOU!FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT

www.BlackAIDS.org

OR CONTACT MERebekah Israel

Training and Evaluation CoordinatorBlack AIDS Institute

rebekahi@BlackAIDS.org