The preliminary report for this project is now available! Learn more and access the report on our website here.
February 10th, 2020- 70 participants attended the CHIPTS Digital PrEP event on Monday, February 10th, 2020 at the St. Anne’s Conference Center from 8:30AM-4:30PM. Both healthcare and tech-based PrEP providers were among those present alongside community partners as critical information was gathered on how mobile technology can be used to improve the delivery of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to Latino and Black MSM, Latina and Black cisgender and transgender women, and persons who inject drugs in Los Angeles County. The ultimate aim was to create a program capable of helping to facilitate adoption of PrEP among these groups.
Opening remarks were provided by Steve Shoptaw, Director of CHIPTS, followed by an overview of HIV incidence/prevalence in LA County by Sonali Kulkarni from Los Angeles Division of 
HIV/STD Programs (DHSP). Ronald Brooks, CHIPTS Core Scientist, highlighted essential goals for the day’s meeting, sharing prospects for mobile technology’s feasibility and acceptability in enhancing treatment persistence among racial/ethnic sexual and gender minority populations. Five technology-based PrEP providers then proceeded with individual presentations on the dynamic incorporation of PrEP within their tech services and its effectiveness in facilitating care. James Wantuck of PlushCare and Jessica Horwitz of Nurx served as representatives from telehealth agencies, while Jesse Thomas of e2PrEP and Eden Pudberry of Healthvana represented companies geared towards mobile application. Likewise, David Moore of Individualized Texting for Adherence Building (iTAB) gave insight into PrEP delivery strategies by SMS/text messaging services. A large group session was then led by Dilara Uskup, CHIPTS Postdoctoral Fellow, centering on core methods for gauging PrEP uptake and adherence among high priority LA communities. This segued into the day’s afternoon session featuring two rounds of concurrent breakout sessions on 
using technology-based PrEP services among the following priority populations: Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men, Black Men Who Have Sex with Men, Black and Latina Transgender Women, Latina Cisgender Women, Black Cisgender Women, and Persons Who Inject Drugs. CHIPTS members assisted with facilitating these breakout sessions including Omar Nieto, Ronald Brooks, Dilara Uskup, and Norweeta Milburn, CHIPTS Development Core Director. Additionally, Sung- Jae Lee, CHIPTS Methods Core Associate Director, mediated continuing conversations with present technology providers. Ronald Brooks and Dilara Uskup adjourned the day with crucial next steps.
The meeting agenda and presentation slides are available for download below. Visit the CHIPTS Facebook page for a mini gallery capturing some of the day’s highlights.
Technology-Based PrEP Delivery and Retention Services for Black and Latino MSM, Black and Latina Transgender and Cisgender Women, and Persons who Inject Drugs in LA County - Agenda
Technology-Based PrEP Delivery and Retention Services for Black and Latino MSM, Black and Latina Transgender and Cisgender Women, and Persons who Inject Drugs in LA County - Slides