PACT update, January 2007

During 2006, the PACT project scaled up enrollment in HIV care, significantly expanded its outreach in the Boston area and established collaborative relationships that could lead to replication of the PACT model in several other communities around the United States.

Highlights of PACT activities in 2006 included:

Scaling up health promotion: During 2006, enrollment into PACT health promotion and directly observed therapy for HIV patients increased by 115 percent. PACT staff began an extensive outreach campaign designed to reach patients who have experienced difficulty adhering to treatment and accessing care and could benefit from PACT services.

Expanding access to care: PACT services expanded from the inner-city neighborhoods of Dorchester and Roxbury to serve the greater Boston area, as PACT developed new partnerships with healthcare providers to reach more of the area’s most vulnerable communities.

Designing tools to help overcome barriers to care: PACT staff developed a culturally-competent curriculum to train community residents as health promoters . The curriculum teaches promoters and patients problem-solving skills needed to overcome common barriers to treatment adherence faced by the communities served by PACT.

Replicating the model throughout the US: PACT staff traveled to Puerto Rico, New York City, Miami, and Wisconsin to engage in new collaborations with groups interested in replicating the PACT model of health promotion.

Taking the message to the streets: From May through September 2006, Fuerza Latina Peer Prevention Leaders engaged in more than 700 street outreach encounters for community health education. The most popular topics were prevention of HIV and Hepatitis C. More than 100 of these encounters resulted in Fuerza leaders accompanying clients to a healthcare facility—most commonly to drug detoxification programs or HIV counseling and testing. 

Fuerza Latina recognized by the Brigham and Women’s Hospital: On October 20, Fuerza Latina and invited guests celebrated the graduation of nine new Peer Prevention Leaders at the Brigham and Women's Hospital.  The Leaders were presented with certificates of graduation for Core Curriculum and Leadership Development Training. In addition, 14 individuals received certificates of appreciation in recognition of their contribution to the community.

[posted January 2007]