Latino Community Services, Inc.

Over the years, LCS has expanded its reach by addressing a number of issues that have an impact on people at risk of HIV infection and those living with HIV/AIDS. Through its successful efforts in seeking federal, state and private funding, LCS has received more than $11 million in funding to implement innovative programs and services which reach more than 3,500 individuals annually.

LCS recognized that many of its clients were struggling also with other conditions such as multiple chronic diseases, mental health issues, drug and alcohol problems and side effects from years of taking the powerful antiretroviral medications. In response, the organization developed demonstration programs that have been recognized nationally for innovation and effectiveness.

Developing programs that have built on our aim to have effective outcomes: Example, Project REACH worked with men 50 years and older. The Healthy Families and Communities Project, funded by the U.S. Office of Minority Health for six years, helped mobilize the faith community and grassroots groups to address health issues, including HIV. That group is now one of thirty coalitions throughout the U.S. recognized and supported by the federal agency, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services or SAMHSA. Project STEP, which works with Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), was asked to present at the US Conference on AIDS in the fall of 2015 for effective strategies in address health disparities to this hard t reach population.

LCS management and staff have been at the table and played leadership roles in national, state, regional and local policy forums and planning groups. LCS has built a reputation based on cultural sensitivity and competency, and is trusted by the people served. All of these are significant accomplishments for an organization with such humble roots.

Building on its track record of effective prevention and care service strategies , LCS is expanding its scope to address the growing issue and burden of chronic diseases that disproportionately affect people of color.

LCS has developed significant expertise in addressing trauma and gaining the trust and confidence of hard to reach populations—people of color at high risk of HIV infection, people living with HIV/AIDS, out-of-treatment substance abusers, young men and men who have sex with men and transgender persons. In the last decade, LCS has successfully secured, implemented and evaluated 21 federal, state, city and foundation grants from a diverse mix of funding sources. A number of projects have been recognized nationally as highly successful, innovative demonstration projects and featured at conferences and funder meetings.

What all the projects have in common is the development of a deep understanding of the trauma- related, root issues that affect clients as they struggle with substance abuse, mental health issues, living with HIV or Hepatitis and educational and employment challenges.

LCS staff have learned that in many cases, trauma-related issues must be addressed before engaging in educational or behavioral interventions. By necessity, LCS has incorporated trauma informed care throughout all of its programs and services given the high percentage of clients (75%) affected by trauma. LCS staff realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.

As the only Latino led non profit specifically working with people with HIV, LCS understands the need to grow and expand and develop effective planning to reach more constituents. Since 2017 marks the year that we will expand into a chronic disease model, we require a new level of understanding of how we will accomplish this goal.

Through a local foundation the executive director acquired funding to do a feasibility study to determine how we will get there.

Initial finding are:

Expanded focus on chronic disease management
Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) or Medicaid Health Home
(MHH)
Designation as Medicaid Provider (for third party billing)
Consider becoming New Access Point/Federally Qualified Health Center
Expand services
Medical services • Research