Sub-Saharan African Youth and Famil

Eliminating health disparities initiative (ehdi) sayfsm partnered with 6 faith-based and community organizations to eliminate health disparities by promoting awareness through culturally and linguistically appropriate education. In 2023, sayfsm and its partners reached more than 163,575 persons via face-to-face and media engagements. Sayfsm also conducted 2 focus groups with total participants of 15 persons.

Hiv/aids outreach and testing: sayfsm educates communities about hiv prevention and risk reduction. Sayfsm gives presentations at community events, churches, Youth gatherings and other community events. Sayfsm develops culturally and linguistically appropriate television and radio programs, and written materials to effectively reach the general african-born population. In 2023, 115 individuals were tested for hiv; 120 outreach events were conducted reaching to 7,120 individuals (zoom and in-person); 3 focus groups were conducted with 46 participants; 4980 male condoms and 180 premium lubricants were distributed; and an estimated 61,217 individuals were reached through satellite tv, facebook, and youtube including 270 individuals through 7 small group discussion.

Medical case management/non-medical case management: sayfsm provides culturally appropriate extended medical case management, meeting the needs of African individuals living with hiv/aids who need longer-term, intensive support. The medical case managers conduct risk assessments and create care plans to address client needs from a holistic perspective. Case managers help clients access health services and promote quality health outcomes, empowering them with education about hiv/aids, treatment, and medication options, and help clients access necessary resources to address housing, transportation, employment, education, legal, insurance, or other needs. In 2023, 35 individuals received medical case management services and 40 clients received non-medical case management services from sayfsm.

Psychosocial support group: sayfsm facilitates a culturally appropriate psychosocial support group for African immigrants and refugees living with hiv. Trained, culturally competent facilitators foster a supportive environment and provide participants with education that empowers them to take care of themselves, reduce risks of super infections and hiv transmission, and disclose their status to their partners and community. In 2023, 40 unduplicated hiv + adults participated multiple times throughout the year in the support group.

Mental health counseling: a licensed psychologist in the sayfsm office and at support group meetings for individuals infected with or impacted by hiv. In 2023, 36 unduplicated individuals lwha received counseling multiple times throughout the year.

Covid-19 community engagement and diversity media project: sayfsm educate communities at partner organizations sites and via community media outlets on covid-19 recovery resources and connect to covid community coordinator contactors events. Trusted information from mdh in multiple languages reached a total of 9000 people. 20 faith/community leaders, volunteer health professionals and media personnel were trained on how to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate trusted covid-19 vaccine information dissemination and covid-19 recovery services. Print and distributed 4000 existing and new covid-19 teaching materials. 90 community members were referred to places where mental health, food shelves, housing, and other social services are provided. Sayfsm in collaboration with Youth from churches prepared short video drama and post on face book to reduce misconception and conspiracy theories existing regarding covid-19 vaccines and treatment.

Medical transportation: sayfsm provides hiv+ clients with transportation to and from medical appointments, pharmacy, and support group. In 2023, sayfsm provided rides to 19 clients, including 493 bus cards, 12 taxi vouchers and 499 agency van rides of total mileage of 4,157 miles.

Womens self-sufficiency program under one roof: women attend sewing classes and receive education about hiv/aids and other health topics. They are empowered to take control of their lives, boosting self-esteem, and improving mental and physical health. In addition to sewing, the program offers quilting and fiber spinning and weaving classes. In 2023, 40 women participated in the program.

Care advocacy: sayfsm provides an array of services to meet the many needs of African immigrants and refugees, including assistance with basic needs, such as housing, furniture, household items, food, clothing, employment; referrals to clinics, mental health providers, legal services; translation and interpreting; and transportation to appointments and sayfsm activities. In 2023, care advocacy was delivered to 1059 times.

Tobacco education/advocacy: sayfsm educates communities about the use of tobacco products and its harm. Additionally, the agency advocates for limits to the sale of certain commercial tobacco products and age limits.