Telephonic Visits Program to Link Justice-Involved Individuals Diagnosed With HIV in Jail to Community HIV Care

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Correctional facilities are critical for identifying and treating individuals with HIV due to high prevalence in justice-involved populations.
• Significant barriers hinder access to community HIV care for individuals upon release from jail.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, including within correctional settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a telephonic visits program designed to link justice-involved individuals with HIV to community-based HIV care.
• To assess the feasibility and impact of using telephonic interventions to mitigate barriers to continuous HIV treatment and support services.

Main Methods:

• The County of Santa Clara (SCC) Jail implemented a telephonic visits program in January 2021.
• Social workers conducted telephonic needs assessments, provided education, and offered support services to individuals diagnosed with HIV prior to release.
• Post-release, participants received phone-based assistance with appointment scheduling, medication refills, and transportation coordination.

Main Results:

• The telephonic visits program provided a novel method for supporting linkage to HIV care.
• Connecting with individuals before jail release showed potential in reducing barriers to consistent community-based HIV care.
• The program facilitated essential services, including appointment scheduling and medication management, for justice-involved individuals with HIV.

Conclusions:

• Telephonic interventions can effectively link justice-involved individuals with HIV to community care.
• Addressing barriers to care through pre-release support is crucial for ensuring continuity of HIV treatment.
• This program offers a scalable model for improving HIV care engagement among a vulnerable population.