The Alexis Project:
What We Do: The Alexis Project employs a multi-tiered, comprehensive approach, which includes network, individual and structural components to identify, recruit, test, link, treat and retain transwomen of color into HIV care. The Alexis Project incorporates three proven models, Social Network Recruitment (network), Peer Health Navigation (individual) and Contingency Management (structural), into one multi-leveled project to optimize HIV health outcomes for transwomen of color. Through Social Network Recruitment, local transwomen recruit transwomen of color from their social, sexual and/or drug-using networks into the project for either testing (HIV unknown status) or (for those who are aware of their HIV infection but not in care) to the combined Peer Health Navigation and Contingency Management intervention. Participants may also be referred to the project through collaborating agencies or through street- and venue-based outreach. A Peer Health Navigator works with each participant to link and retain her in HIV care services and to identify other needed services. In addition, Contingency Management provides increasing valuable incentives (in the form of gift cards) for attending HIV medical visits and reaching and sustaining HIV medical milestones.
The Alexis Project was named after Alexis Rivera who died on March 28, 2012, at the age of 34, from complications related to HIV. Alexis was a proud Latina transwoman, a community activist, a peer advocate and a gatekeeper.
Enrollment: Open
Hours: Weekdays, 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: 323-793-4645 or 323-512-7014
Funding Source: This project is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and sponsored by Friends Research Institute, Inc.