Hiv Resource Consortium Inc (dba Tulsa CARES)

PROJECT PURPOSE

Tulsa CARES is the largest and most comprehensive provider of prevention and care programs serving vulnerable individuals living with HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) in Oklahoma. Tulsa CARES? successful model of HIV care was applied to people living with HCV in 2018, a virus which is now curable. Oklahoma is 2nd in the country in HCV prevalence, and the state has been identified nationally as one of seven states with a substantial rural HIV burden. Recognizing the critical importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve community health and reduce costs, Tulsa CARES aims to meet the unmet health and social needs of clients under one roof. Wrap-around, client-tailored care includes care coordination, insurance navigation, prescription assistance, transportation, housing, mental health, and nutrition. Given the unduplicated work of Tulsa CARES, 30+ years of success, and the demand to grow program capacity and service offerings, we are seeking support for a small medical clinic to be constructed on a vacant lot owned by the agency and directly adjacent to our facility on Route 66. The clinic will allow for HCV program expansion, an increase in STI testing and treatment, and basic primary care and labs for clients and the community.

EVIDENCE

Tulsa CARES focuses on removing barriers to care, and the majority of clients receive free HIV/HCV care at OSU. There remains a demand, however, for basic, on-site primary care, labs, and STI testing. Research suggests a lack of primary care providers (PCP), particularly LGBTQ-friendly care. The majority of clients are also aging, and we?re seeing a growing number of age-related illnesses and co-morbidities. The Prism Project?s sexual and gender minority needs assessment reports one-third of respondents having a serious health issue; high uninsured rates among Latinx and Black respondents; one-quarter lacking a PCP; and two-thirds reporting a negative provider experience.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Tulsa CARES serves marginalized, stigmatized, and high-risk populations living with and/or affected by HIV/HCV. Nearly 1,100 total clients were served in 2020. Roughly 13% of HIV clients are considered rural; 45% identify as BIPOC; and more than 60% were 45+ years. Regarding HIV risk factors, 62% of clients identify as LGBTQ. 68% of HCV clients have been incarcerated, and 63% are in recovery. The median agency client income is 84% of the federal poverty level or $10,718 for a single person household. The pandemic most impacted client stability in the areas of food, housing, income, and mental health, and the agency mobilized quickly to modify programs to meet client needs. Although disparities in health and health care have been an ongoing focus of the agency, the pandemic reinforced the case for health equity and the need to address social determinants of health as part of the larger health care model.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Tulsa CARES has a proven track record of delivering accessible, effective, and high-quality programs with strong outcomes. The ultimate goal is optimal client health, improved quality of life, and client empowerment. Project performance would include viral suppression and cure rates, patient interactions/utilization, labs, ancillary services, referrals, and self-reported patient experience. All client data are housed in CAREWare, a secure, electronic health information system used by program staff which allows for robust, customized reporting for program delivery, quality improvement efforts, and grant requirements. Tulsa CARES is debt-free, maintains strong community and board support, and is well positioned to execute this expansion.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma