HENDERSON, KY — August 28, 2024 — Matthew 25 AIDS Services, Inc. (M25), a leading advocate for individuals living with HIV in Western Kentucky, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $3 million cooperative agreement grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This substantial funding, allocated over five years, will significantly bolster M25’s efforts to advance clinical testing, prevention, and care for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) throughout the region.
With its main location in Henderson, KY, and additional clinics in Owensboro and Bowling Green, M25 is the sole specialized sexual health clinic serving a 25-county area. The new grant will support the ambitious initiative outlined in the PS-24-0003 cooperative agreement, aimed at expanding the organization’s capacity to combat HIV/STI outbreaks, enhance community awareness, and increase the utilization of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
As a cornerstone of the region’s response to HIV, M25 has achieved notable success, with over 500 patients maintaining an undetectable viral load. The grant will enable M25 to take its efforts to the next level by:
- Launching a Two-Exam Room Mobile Sexual Health Clinic: This mobile unit will bring vital services directly to high-risk populations, improving accessibility and convenience.
- Implementing Innovative Prevention and Treatment Services: New services will include Expedited Partner Treatment, same-day PrEP/PEP eligibility assessments, and oral prescriptions.
- Expanding Outreach and Education: M25 will enhance its patient advisory board, increase engagement with non-HIV+ populations, and provide implicit bias training for all staff members.
- Addressing Barriers to Access: Special focus will be given to reducing barriers for sexual partners of individuals at risk, incarcerated persons, and low-income individuals lacking reliable transportation.
The first year of this five-year project will introduce additional measures, including offering free HIV/STI testing vouchers to newly released inmates, expanding M25’s partnerships with clinics and community organizations, and increasing rapid linkage to care for newly diagnosed HIV patients.
The outcomes of this grant are poised to:
- Increase STI Testing and Vaccinations: Boost the number of patients tested for STIs and vaccinated for HBV, HAV, HPV, and Mpox.
- Enhance PrEP Accessibility: Improve the number of patients who receive same-day PrEP prescriptions.
- Expand Insurance Enrollment: Increase the number of patients newly enrolled in insurance plans through M25’s Insurance & Eligibility Specialist.
- Strengthen Community Partnerships: Foster new collaborations with clinics, jails, and community organizations to meet benchmark-driven STI testing and PrEP goals.
Matthew 25 AIDS Services is honored to partner with the CDC in this vital endeavor to improve health outcomes and prevent the spread of HIV and STIs in Western Kentucky. The organization remains committed to its mission of providing comprehensive, accessible, and effective care to all individuals in need.