Conference Abstract

The Role of Community Outreach and Advocacy in Services for Substance Abusing Women with HIV

Geoffrey Smereck, Lisa Melchior, George Huba, & Marcia Andersen

Substance abusing women are one of the largest and fastest growing risk groups for HIV infection. An innovative program in Detroit, Michigan works with substance abusing women in the hardest hit communities to encourage participation in treatment and recovery, as well as to meet other health and social service needs. The Well-Being Institute (WBI) Women's Intervention Program is a comprehensive, nursing-based intervention program designed for women substance abusers with HIV who "fall between the cracks" of existing health delivery systems. The program is two-tiered and serves up to 96 women annually. Tier I provides intensive advocacy services within a day treatment program format, four days per week; Tier II services focus on becoming drug free and provide housing for the women and their children. The nursing/case management interface is an important component of the Women's Intervention Program. Through program efforts (group and individual counseling using the Personalized Nursing LIGHT Model and supportive services), all clients to date have been enrolled and retained in primary care. In addition to the Women's Intervention Program's own staff, linkages have been established with other case management resources in the Detroit area. At the same time the clients receive services through these linkages, they also maintain their connection with the WBI staff. This presentation will explore the benefits of the Personalized Nursing LIGHT Model and community linkages in helping substance abusing women with HIV to reduce barriers they may face in accessing the services they need.

To view the WBI Project Abstract, click here.

To view the Conference Poster, click here.

Back to Volume 2, Issue 11

Back to SPNS/Fax Directory