Using Social Network Testing to Increase HIV Testing in Vulnerable Populations in Wisconsin

Expanding an existing Social Network Testing (SNT) pilot program to improve diagnosis of HIV in vulnerable populations

Full Project Name:Using Social Network Testing to Increase HIV Testing in Vulnerable Populations in WisconsinPrimary Community Organization:AIDS Resource Center of WisconsinPrimary Academic Partner:John Fangman, MD, MedicineAward Amount:$362,421

Award Date

July2008

Project Duration:36 months

Project Description Narrative:

Despite recommendations for universal HIV screenings, one-quarter of those who are infected are unaware of their status. HIV disproportionally impacts individuals with limited access to care, and populations at the highest risk for HIV are the least likely to be tested.

This project will build on an established Social Networks Testing (SNT) pilot program to improve access to testing services for vulnerable populations, identifying 25 new specialists who will trained to identify at-risk individuals and recruit them for testing.