SAMHSA

High risk populations living on Skid Row need better access to HIV testing and education as well as substance abuse treatment and mental health services. African-American and Latino homeless men and women are among the most vulnerable.

The Targeted Capacity Expansion Program for Substance Abuse Treatment and HIV/AIDS Services (TCE/HIV) is operated in an innovative collaboration between JWCH Institute (JWCH) and the Weingart Center Association through a five-year grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The ultimate goal of the TCE/HIV program is to help homeless men and women decrease the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs, provide a stable support system for those found to have HIV/AIDS, and address substance abuse and mental health needs that inhibit an individual’s ability to become self-sufficient.

Community Outreach
JWCH conducts community outreach to identify individuals who are at increased risk for contracting HIV. JWCH administers Rapid HIV tests, allowing individuals to find out their status within minutes, and provides HIV/AIDS education and treatment.

Individuals identified as having substance abuse issues or mental health needs are referred to the Weingart Center Association for comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatment
The Clinical Services department at the Weingart Center Association will provide mental health services and substance abuse treatment to over 450 individuals over a five-year period. One of the services available to participants will be a 16-week Intensive Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Program known as The Matrix Model. The Matrix Model is an evidence-based substance abuse treatment model that includes relapse prevention, educational groups, a year long social support group, individual counseling, and urine and breath-testing weekly.

Program participants will also be able to access more traditional mental health services including support groups, individual counseling, and crisis intervention services.

Long-term Outcomes
JWCH and the Weingart Center Association will track all program participants every six months for five years, allowing both agencies to track the long-term outcomes of the services provided.