Abstract

Missouri is among seven U.S. states with a disproportionate HIV burden, with 45% of newly diagnosed cases in the St. Louis region, particularly affecting young Black adults and men who have sex with men. High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, exacerbate the risk of HIV transmission. The Clear Path Collaborative, in partnership with local HIV service providers, aims to optimize STI/HIV testing in high-risk communities. This multi-level pilot intervention is grounded in a community-engaged, system-focused approach to enhance the regional HIV response. The collaborative is focusing on expanding the Take Me Home Program, a home-based HIV testing initiative, by integrating STI testing, targeting high-incidence areas, and involving new organizations in sexual health services. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of this expansion and the growth of the Collaborative, using multiple methods to assess organizational engagement and subsequent impact on testing rates.