HIV PREVENTION AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR LATINA WOMEN: A GRANT PROPOSAL PROJECT LIZETT MORALES CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH MAY 2013

Introduction In the United States, 1.1 million people are living with HIV infection. 1 An estimated 1 in every 106 Latina women has contracted HIV. 2 It is one the of the top 10 leading causes of death among the group. 2 More than half (51%) of HIV infections among Latina women result from unprotected sexual contact with their male partners. 3 There is an increase need for culturally sensitive services. 5 Purpose: To create a preventative and supportive program for HIV/AIDS Identify a potential funding source, and write a grant application

Social Work Relevance Cultural and socioeconomic factors increase Latina women’s risk for HIV/AIDS infection. 4 The program will aim to bring social justice to Latina women by providing a culturally sensitive program to an underserved population. The program will value the dignity and worth of the Latina women by taking into consideration their cultural values and beliefs.

Cross-Cultural Relevance The HIV/AIDS epidemic has affected people worldwide. Since the first known case until present time, HIV/AIDS has been one of the greatest threats to human health. 5 Most recently, the epidemic has taken a shift, disproportionately affecting Latinos (CDC, 2011a). 2 Cultural factors, such as machismo, traditional gender roles, and stigma, as well as socioeconomic factors may increase the incidence rates of HIV among Latinos. 2 Developing culturally competent programs for the targeted population will address the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS among Latina women.

Methods Target Population: The proposed program will target HIV-positive and at risk Latina women between the ages of Strategies Used to Find Funding Source: Grant databases and online web searches were used to identify potential funders. Key terms such as: “HIV,” “AIDS,” “Hispanic/Latinos,” “prevention programs,” and “support group” were used. Funding Source: UniHealth Foundation: The foundation was selected for this grant based on the funding criteria and mission and the proposed program goals.

Methods Sources Used for Needs Assessment: U.S. Census Data The County of Los Angeles Health Department The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Peer reviewed journals Projected Budget: Salaries and Benefits Direct Program Costs In-Kind Expenses Total Amount Requested: $88,795

Grant Proposal Program Summary and Description The program will be offered at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA and will include a preventative and supportive program for HIV- positive and at-risk Latina women. It will include: Educational workshops Group therapy Case management services Population Served Latina women between the ages of Sustainability The Program Director will seek potential funding sources throughout the year. The evaluation data will be used to make necessary changes and improvements and improve the quality of services offered.

Program Objectives By the end of the first year: 50% of the participants who attend the educational workshops will increase their knowledge about HIV/AIDS and prevention as measured by receiving a 75% or higher in the educational posttest. 50% of participants would attend all 12 sessions of a support group as evidenced by participants’ attendance records. 40% of participants will receive one-on-one case management services as evidenced by the participants’ records. 70% of participants would have applied for public health insurance as evidenced by referral made to the agency’s financial services department. Program Evaluation Independent program evaluator will be used to assess the impact and effectiveness of the proposed program at the end of 1 year. Pre- and posttests will also be administered to the participants of the prevention educational workshops. The evaluator will also conduct focus groups with the participants of the program.

Lessons Learned and Implications for Social Work Lessons Learned: Strong need for culturally sensitive services for Latina women The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS transmission Grant Writing process Implications for Social Work Practice: Social workers have an important role when working with oppressed groups. The use of grant writing will allow social workers to advocate and address the needs of specific populations.

References 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). HIV in the United States: At a glance. Retrieved from PDF/HIV_at_a_glance.pdf 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011a). HIV among Latinos. Retrieved from 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011b). HIV among women. Retrieved from 4. Tung, W.C. (2012). HIV among Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States. Home Health Care Management and Practice, 24(3), Valdiserri, R.O. (2011). Thirty years of AIDS in America: A story of infinite hope. AIDS Education and Prevention, 23(6),