Interior AIDS Association

Increased knowledge among the target populations about HIV and risk reduction strategies;
Increase in skills related to personal risk assessment, decision-making and sexual negotiation among members of target populations;
Increased access to and utilization of safety materials including condoms and new syringes;
Decreased fear, stigma and HIV-related discrimination among members of target populations;
Increased social support for safer behaviors within the target populations;
Decreased HIV-related risk behaviors among those individuals who have participated in IAA prevention activities;
Improved health and quality of life for HIV-positive clients;
Improved health and quality of life for opioid addicts enrolled in IMAT.

IMAT serves chronic opioid addicts who have been unable to stop using on their own. Patients come to the clinic daily for medication and are required to participate in counseling and education. When individuals are ready, they can transfer to less restrictive treatment modalities, including office-based buprenorphine. The strength of this program lies in Case Management/Care Coordination and outreach to both providers and individuals in need of treatment. Case managers assist patients in accessing treatment, health care, housing, and all of the support they need.

We also offer a variety of resources and services in support of HIV+ individuals and their families. As part of the intake process, a case manager will establish current needs and risks, and help create a Care Plan unique to each client. We offer case management to help clients identify local resources and financial assistance, as needed, for the following:
Medical Care
Medication
Nutrition
Transportation Services
Rental Assistance
Utility and Mortgage Payment Assistance
Eye and Dental care

Lastly, studies have shown that prevention programs cost a fraction of what care programs cost. It is much cheaper to prevent someone from contracting HIV and Hepatitis C than it is to care for that person after they have contracted the disease. Prevention is also important in protecting our communities, and our prevention efforts make us great neighbors. Talking about issues such as safer sex, needle use, and stigma can be tough for many individuals and families, so IAA's prevention efforts are of critical importance to Alaska.

IAA programs are developed and implemented by staff with a variety of backgrounds who also have the skills, training and experience to deliver the services they are assigned. HIV Prevention staff (and most IAA staff) complete the state-sponsored “Client-Centered HIV Risk Reduction Counseling and Giving Test Results." IMAT staff must meet education requirements and achieve certification as substance abuse counselors. IMAT is an accredited outpatient substance abuse treatment program. HIV Client services staff are trained Social Workers.

Process evaluation is intended to assist the program in improving internal processes and activities. The goal of evaluating processes is to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and quality, with the overall goal of improving outcomes for consumers. The evaluation process will be used to make changes in the project at both the individual and program levels.

Annually, the Executive Director produces a Comprehensive Management Report. This exhaustive report includes an executive summary, and covers the topics of strategic planning, accessibility, health & safety, cultural diversity, grievances, risk management, project goals, consumer participation, outcomes, training needs, and technology assessment and planning. This annual process serves to document process evaluation (as well as outcomes) and to set goals for changes intended to improve the program.

Process Goals
1. Increase efficiency to maximize capacity to admit new patients.
a. Increase the percentage of time counselors spend face to face with clients.
b. Decrease cost per patient.
2. Maintain quality of services to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

The individual Client Status Review, administered every 90-135 days is used by counselors to evaluate consumer progress and identify emerging problems. This on-going evaluation facilitates timely changes in treatment planning and service delivery strategies to meet consumer needs and abilities. Because the surveys are administered consistently and entered into the AKAIMS database, a wealth of long term data is available to counselors and supervisors. Outcome data and satisfaction data can be tracked over time, allowing managers to evaluate any or all of the data across clients, time in treatment, by counselor, client age, race, sex etc. This facilitates analysis of many factors that affect the program and individuals.

If, for example, a large number of consumers indicate problems in one area that is not being addressed, then the program can add or change groups that may provide a more effective approach to the problem for consumers. When a large number of consumers, for example, have trouble meeting their basic financial needs, then a group addressing that topic would be timely.

Findings from the myriad of evaluation tools implemented are reviewed to identify needs and gaps. Process evaluation, including quality assurance tasks, is used to guide training for counselors and to re-assess program features that may not be working as well as they could.