Meet Me Where I Am: An Evaluation of an HIV Patient Navigation Intervention to Increase Uptake of PrEP Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Deep South

The southern region of the USA is the epicenter of the HIV epidemic. HIV disproportionately affects African Americans, particularly Black men who have sex with men (Black MSM). Given the alarming rates of new infections among Black MSM, there is an urgent need for culturally competent healthcare professionals who are trained to address the unique needs and barriers to uptake and adherence to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. Utilizing a mixed method research approach, we conducted a process evaluation of Meet Me Where I Am, a 6-month, 6-session HIV/AIDS patient navigation training program for healthcare professionals and patient navigators working in organizations that provide HIV services to residents of central Mississippi, an area with high incidence and prevalence rates of HIV. A self-administered questionnaire after each session was given to participants to assess the acceptability, quality, and translational aspects of the training program. The overall positive feedback on the MMWIA training reflects the program's acceptability and feasibility. Participants found that the training was effective in providing the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver patient-centered HIV prevention-related navigation services. A majority (67%) of participants indicated that they felt they could apply the lessons learned within their healthcare settings to improve access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. If we are to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in HIV/AIDS, there is a critical need for culturally appropriate training programs designed to improve the ability of healthcare professionals and health systems to deliver culturally competent HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.