Our Minority AIDS Initiative Funding (MAI EIS) activities include HIV/STD Education, HIV Testing, Counseling and Referrals, and Outreach Services incorporating the Social Network Strategy Model for several service areas in the Norfolk Transitional Grant Area (TGA). These areas account for at least 10% of the TGA’s reported cases of HIV/AIDS.
The geographical locations include: Norfolk, Newport News, and surrounding rural counties. The Hampton Roads Regional Jail (HRRJ), Norfolk State University, the MASS agency in Newport News and several churches are included in our targeted areas. The target population includes black men and women, inmates, men who have sex with men and the emerging population with emphasis on the ages 13-29.
Work With Local Correction Facilities
The HRRJ was selected because it houses many inmates high-risk for HIV/AIDS who are not receiving HIV prevention services and are often lost to care. We provide testing to individuals who are unaware of their HIV status and, when necessary, link them to HIV primary medical care.
The following services are provided by MASS staff in the jail: pre-release medical case management including MAI EIS that include HIV/STD Education Classes, HIV Testing, Counseling and Referrals and links to care. MASS staff conducts evidence–based interventions from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Taxonomy of Prevention Interventions (HIV/STD 101 Class), and HIV Testing using the Oraquick Advance Rapid Test for all participants in the classes and for all inmates who voluntarily request HIV testing.