At the Intersection of SUD, HIV and COVID-19: Why Trauma Informed Care Matters

To End the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) the nation is focused on preventing new infections, identifying those newly diagnosed or out of care, and treating all People with HIV(PWH) to improve health outcomes and reduce new cases. Trauma and its sequelae are associated with poor mental health, increased risk-taking behaviors, lack of connections to HIV care and low adherence to antiretroviral regimens -all of which can hinder jurisdictions’ efforts to achieve success with their EHE work plans.

Successful integration of trauma informed care services can improve daily functioning and decrease adverse symptoms for PWH; and has also been shown to lead to an increase in consumer engagement, lower rates of hospitalization, and significant cost savings.

In this webinar, we discuss an implementation model adopted by Ryan White services providers –including Federally Qualified Health Centers and Community Based Organizations, as well as organizations and providers working with people who use substances to integrate trauma informed care into their organizational culture, physical environments, and existing mix of services.