With a special focus on young Black MSM ages 13–24, the Center for Engaging Black MSM Across the Care Continuum (CEBACC) is a new national technical resource created under a cooperative agreement between the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and NASTAD. Our goal is to identify best practices and effective models for HIV care and treatment across the care continuum for Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S.

While the overall rate of U.S. HIV infections has decreased by more than 30%, new infections among Black MSM—particularly young men—have increased at an alarming rate. Among this key population, Black men are disproportionally impacted by HIV and accounted for the highest number of HIV infections among all gay and bisexual men in 2010. The factors driving HIV transmission among Black MSM are complex and include socioeconomic determinants such as health care access, income, education and housing, as well as psychosocial influences like stigma, shame and discrimination.

In order to increase the capacity, quality, and effectiveness of healthcare providers to screen, diagnose, link, and retain Black MSM in HIV clinical care, CEBACC looks to engage both healthcare providers and patients to serve as an effective conduit to engaging and retaining positive Black MSM into HIV care. Two key initiatives are His Health and Well Versed.

HIS HEALTH

His Health is a united community of advocates and healthcare providers passionately committed to raising the standard of care for Black gay men.

WELL VERSED

 

Well Versed is a community that bridges the communication gap between patients and providers by connecting Black gay and other MSM and healthcare providers, igniting conversations, and creating an experience where everyone is seen as human.