The University of Alabama Teenage Access Project: a model for prevention, referrals, and linkages to testing for...

The Teenage Access Project (TAP) was supported by the Special Projects of National Significance Program to expand and ensure access to health and support services for disadvantaged, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive, and at-risk adolescent and young adult women aged 10-21 years by: (a) preventing further HIV transmission through empowerment and reduction of risk behavior, (b) providing HIV counseling and testing to increase screening of young women, and (c) facilitating referrals to medical and psychosocial services through the TAP activities. TAP served 403 young people (82% African-American and 83% young women). The basic elements of the TAP service model components were: (a) outreach to community agencies serving high-risk, disadvantaged young women; (b) My Individual Responsibility Reduces Our Risk (MIRROR), a six-module risk-reduction and empowerment activity specifically designed for young women in Jefferson County, using a small group format; and (c) the Adolescent Testing Center (ATC), a center for age and culturally appropriate HIV testing, pre- and posttest counseling, risk assessment, and referrals. HIV testing and pre- and posttest counseling were provided confidentially in both clinical and community settings. More than 200 participated in the MIRROR activity. A total of 101 young women received HIV counseling and testing services.