Retention and Peer Support June, 2012

Visit Pop-up Question What do you do to help others living with HIV/AIDS – your peers? Retention and Peer Support

Different Ways Peers Support Peers Instrumental Tangible aid and services that directly assist a person in need Informational Communicating advice or information to assist a person in addressing problems or self- assessment Emotional Providing empathy, love, caring and trust Affiliational Convey or assist with a connection to a social network of reciprocal help or mutual oblication Retention and Peer Support

The Impact of Peer-to-Peer Support Instrumental Directly connect to care Provider referrals Research info & resources Scheduling support [e.g. reminder calls, rides] Informational Support learning & understanding Comprehend info from providers Not replace provider; clarify in layperson’s terms Understand & navigate health system/provider Prep for provider visits Emotional Support & relieve stress Build confidence to change behavior Challenge to change behavior Affiliational Address isolation Connect to social networks Integrate opportunities to inform & engage care Motivate change Retention and Peer Support

Visit Pop-up Question Based on your experiences, what makes for an effective peer advocate? Retention and Peer Support

Being an Effective Peer Advocate  Peer advocate needs to be comfortable identifying as HIV+; establish connection  Ability to flexibility respond to needs Training and support are critical Retention and Peer Support

Benefits of Peer Advocacy  Unique ability to engage and motivate; power of common experience and role models  Provide direct education and connect to care and resources [e.g. support retention]  Also address basic needs [e.g. overcome barriers to retention] Retention and Peer Support

Click the Partner Tab Connect with Partners in+care A Resource to Support You as a Peer Advocate  Learn about retention in HIV care  Learn about self-care  Link to and learn from others living with HIV/AIDS Retention and Peer Support

Visit – “Partners” Tab – Partners in+care Toolkitwww.incarecampaign.org Join the Partners in+care Network  notices and updates about Pi+c and in+care Campaign  Provide advice [Pi+c surveys] +Sign up to Be a Partner in Care Retention and Peer Support

Directly Connect through Partners in+care on Facebook  Share tips, stories, experiences & resources  Community of people living with HIV/AIDS and allies  Secure and confidential  Join. Send to – Facebook in subject line Retention and Peer Support

Campaign Headquarters: National Quality Center (NQC) 90 Church Street, 13 th floor New York, NY Phone Visit Web - “Partners” tab Sign up for Pi+c Network – “Partners” tab Join Facebook Send to – “Facebook” in subject line