A new survey of 180 women living with HIV identifies the challenges they face in connecting to HIV care. A report of the findings was released by the Positive Women’s Network–USA (PWN-USA) on Thursday, March 10, to coincide with National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). The hope is that the information gathered from the PWN-USA survey will help inform medical care and service delivery for women living with the virus. Most (67 percent) of the respondents were black, and “significant numbers” were low-income and unstably housed. When asked the question “What one thing would help you stay in care?” respondents answered:

25% Transportation
18% Case management
17% Connection with other women living with HIV
11% Access to HIV specialist
10% Evening and weekend clinic hours
7% Other
6% Assistance paying for insurance
6% Assistance paying for medication

Nearly two-thirds (64.6%) of respondents reported that they would like to see someone for counseling or therapy. Of those, 59% were able to access therapy as needed. Others reported that cost, lack of coverage, lack of available services or waitlists for services presented a barrier. The report concludes with a series of recommendations, such as expanding the sexual and reproductive health care services throughout the Ryan White Program, enhancing the availability of mental health services and instituting trauma-informed practices.