Telephonic Visits Program to Link Justice-Involved Individuals Diagnosed With HIV in Jail to Community HIV Care

Abstract

Correctional facilities serve as a key location to identify and treat those with HIV given high rates of HIV seen in justice-involved individuals; however, substantial barriers exist to accessing HIV care in the community upon release. In response to restricted in-person activities due to COVID-19, the County of Santa Clara (SCC) Jail launched a telephonic visits program in January 2021 to link justice-involved individuals diagnosed with HIV to community HIV care following release. Telephonic visits were conducted by social workers from SCC Public Health Department; these visits entailed conducting an HIV needs assessment, providing education, and offering support services. Following release, individuals were contacted by phone to assist with scheduling appointments, refilling medications, and transportation to clinic appointments. Telephonic visits offered a new opportunity to support HIV linkage to care; connecting with individuals prior to release from jail may mitigate barriers in receiving ongoing HIV care in the community.