Getting to Zero in Allegheny County: Implementation of a Collective Impact Model to Achieve Ending the HIV Epidemic Objectives

Abstract

Background Allegheny County Pennsylvania has the second highest HIV prevalence in the state. In the county, racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Methods In responses to HIV epidemic in the Allegheny County, AIDS Free Pittsburgh was created with the goals of reducing new HIV infections by 75% and declaring Allegheny County AIDS free (no new AIDS cases) by 2020. AIDS Free Pittsburgh uses a collective impact framework in which partners pledge to collect and share data uniformly across health systems, to co-organize events for provider and community education, and to enhance access to quality healthcare by developing resources and referral networks. Results Since its inception, there has been nearly a 43% decrease in new HIV cases, a 23% decrease in new AIDS cases, and other promising trends related to HIV testing, preexposure prophylaxis, linkage to care, and viral load suppression for people living with HIV in Allegheny County. Conclusions This article provides a detailed description of the community-level project, the activities conducted by collective group, a summary of project outcomes, and lessons learned for replicating this project in other midsized, mid-HIV incidence jurisdictions.