Improving HIV testing, faster linkage to care, and quicker viral suppression in coastal Alabama
A type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to evaluate a population health combination intervention to meet HIV testing, linkage, and viral suppression goals in coastal Alabama
This project uses data-driven testing, faster connection to HIV care, and support to help adults in coastal Alabama start treatment sooner and reach viral suppression faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163329 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team will use large health data to find neighborhoods and groups with low HIV testing and then bring targeted community testing there. When someone is diagnosed, a faster referral system called Project Connect will help them get linked to medical care right away. The project also works to shorten the time from diagnosis to viral suppression by coordinating treatment and follow-up. The work is done in partnership with local and state health departments across several rural coastal Alabama counties.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults in coastal Alabama—especially those in the six rural counties served by the Mobile County Health Department—who are at risk for or newly diagnosed with HIV and willing to engage with testing and linkage services.
Not a fit: People living outside the targeted Alabama counties, anyone under 21, and those already stably engaged in care with an undetectable viral load are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more people could be tested earlier, start HIV treatment sooner, and reach viral suppression faster, which improves health and reduces spread.
How similar studies have performed: Evidence-based linkage programs supported by the CDC have improved timely care before, and combining these with data-driven targeting is promising though less tested in rural Alabama.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rana, Aadia — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Rana, Aadia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.