COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION ADAPTATIONS TO THE CHANGING HIV PREVENTION AND CARE LANDSCAPE IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES

Community-based organizations (CBOs) provide HIV prevention services throughout the United States, including the South where HIV/AIDS burden is high. We assessed Southern CBO response to changes in the HIV prevention landscape, including the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) High Impact Prevention. Both strategies aim to improve outcomes for people living with or at high risk for HIV. Inductive qualitative analysis of interviews and consultations with CBOs, capacity building assistance providers, and CDC staff revealed CBOs are building clinical service capacity and cross-agency partnerships to adapt, but face inadequate or reduced funding. A holistic approach to HIV prevention and care in the South is critical, where stigma and other socio-structural factors limit health care options for persons affected by HIV. Health care organizations may benefit by partnering with CBOs because CBOs have the skillsets and community rapport to effectively improve health outcomes of persons living with HIV.