(P170) EXPANDING THE HIV PREVENTION WORKFORCE THROUGH NATIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS FOR PROVIDERS AND NAVIGATORS

Background:
In 2021, an estimated 36,136 new HIV infections occurred, following a 7% decrease from 2017. While the decrease is promising, further reducing transmission of HIV is key to end the HIV epidemic. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been effective to prevent HIV for over a decade. However, only 30% of people who could benefit from PrEP in the U.S. were prescribed it in 2021, and disparities in PrEP coverage persist.

While the PrEP field is quickly evolving as next-generation PrEP medications become available, providers are challenged to keep up with emerging technologies and how patients can access them. In some areas, there simply aren’t enough culturally-competent providers that can navigate clients to, and prescribe, PrEP.  To fully scale-up PrEP, RWHAP and PCPs must be able to identify PrEP candidates, navigate them to PrEP, and identify appropriate PrEP strategies.

Methods:
HealthHIV launched two first-of-their kind programs— the HIV Prevention Certified Provider (HIVPCP) Certification Program and the HIV PrEP Navigation Certification (HIVPNC) Program— to help elevate and expand the HIV prevention workforce through certification. The two programs prepare and educate clinical providers (MD, DO, NP, PA, RN) and pharmacists, as well as social workers, navigators, community health workers, and other allied health professionals to implement the most individualized and up-to-date methods to prevent HIV infection and navigate clients to PrEP.

Results:
HealthHIV’s HIVPCP certification program—a curriculum that prepares providers to utilize individualized and up-to-date methods of HIV prevention—has enrolled over 10,000 learners and certified over 2,000 providers. HealthHIV’s HIVPNC certification program— preparing providers to navigate clients through the PrEP continuum—has enrolled 2,189 learners and certified 529 navigators since the December 2023 launch.

Conclusion:
Participants who complete the certifications receive a national designation and are added to national online directories that allow consumers to locate skilled and culturally-competent providers and HIV navigators in their area.