A local HIV/AIDS service organization recently received funding to support its work in reducing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in former and current prison populations. The Jewish Healthcare Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to ActionAIDS’ Prison Linkage Program. The award is part of the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative and was dispersed on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. According to Kevin Burns, executive director of ActionAIDS, the grant will support enhanced skill training for ActionAIDS staff involved with the prison program. The training, expected to last four months, will include a focus on case management and care outreach, among other areas. The agency could receive additional grant money for the program pending the outcome of the training. The Prison Linkage Program was founded in 1991 and assists those who are incarcerated and those being released from prison with accessing proper health care. “In prison, our clients have significantly higher infection rates,” Burns said. “In Philadelphia, prisons started to do routine checks when prisoners are brought into the system, which is a good thing.” Burns said the program raises awareness about HIV prevention and transmission and directs clients who are infected to resources to meet their individualized needs. “Our clients get very connected and we have a lot of time to connect with them while they are in prison,” Burns said. “We make sure that when going through the transition phase of being released, they get in touch with us immediately so we can work with them on housing and making sure we get their lives set up.” The program has been funded through the agency’s unrestricted funds and donations. It was also supported by a joint grant with Philadelphia FIGHT called Special Projects of National Significance that has ended.
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