Innovative HIV Service Delivery Models for Native American Communities

In FY 1997, a Native American Communities initiative was launched to support projects seeking to implement and evaluate innovative HIV health and support service models that are culturally appropriate and enable Native American communities to care for Native Americans with HIV disease. This initiative addresses the formal linkage and integration of mental health, substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation and/or other critical HIV services with HIV ambulatory medical care (such as primary medical care and/or home health care) in new or existing projects. Important considerations in the development of these models include the establishment of service networks and integration of traditional practices and cultural factors in the delivery of services. Thus, grantees incorporate cultural, spiritual, and traditional medicine requests of Native Americans into their programs.

• American Indian Health & Services
  Santa Barbara, CA
• Chugachimiut
  Anchorage, AK
• National Native American AIDS Prevention Center
  Oakland, CA

Gilley BJ (2006) 'Snag bags' : adapting condoms to community values in Native American communities. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 8 (6): 559-570.

Ashman JJ, Pérez-Jiménez D, & Marconi K (2004) Health and Support Service Utilization Patterns of American Indians and Alaska Natives Diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Education and Prevention, 16 (3): 238–249.