Abstract

Individuals transitioning from incarceration to community living experience significant health disparities, including elevated risks for HIV infection and transmission. Despite elevated risks at reentry, there is no consistent infrastructure for post-release HIV identification and linkage to care. Targeted interventions addressing the unique needs of those released from incarceration are needed to fill this gap. This study partners with Pure Living Recovery and Rehabilitation, a transitional housing program, to evaluate a brief, community-derived HIV prevention intervention. The intervention aims to increase willingness for same-day HIV testing among 100 men recently released from incarceration, using a pre-test–post-test design to measure impact on testing willingness and psychosocial barriers like HIV knowledge and stigma. Qualitative interviews with 20 participants will assess the intervention's acceptability and appropriateness, informing future adaptations. This project will lay the groundwork for scalable HIV prevention strategies in re-entry settings, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for this underserved and high-risk population.