• Seasoned Brothaz Network

  • Overview

    The Seasoned Brothaz Network (SBN) Direct Services Program is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of Black gay men living with HIV and aging. This program aims to provide comprehensive support services to improve their quality of life and health outcomes, ensuring they receive the necessary support to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

    Demonstrating the Need:

    • High HIV Rates: Approximately 50% of Black gay men will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime.
    • Aging Population: With advancements in HIV treatment, many Black gay men are living longer but face additional challenges related to aging, such as comorbidities and social isolation.
    • Health Disparities: Black gay men experience higher rates of HIV-related stigma and discrimination, which can hinder access to care and support.
  • Primary Networks

    • Empowerment Network:
      Leadership Workshops
      Self-Esteem Building
      Chronic Disease Management
      Mental Health Awareness
    • Enlightenment Network:
      Health and Wellness Education
      Financial Literacy
      Legal Rights and Advocacy
    • Elevation Network:
      Social Engagement Activities
      Community Involvement
      Cultural Enrichment

    Impact and Measurable Outcomes

    • Improved Health Outcomes: Increased adherence to ART, reduced HIV viral load, and better management of comorbid conditions.
    • Enhanced Mental Health: Reduced rates of depression and anxiety through regular mental health support.
    • Increased Social Support: Higher levels of community engagement and reduced social isolation.
    • Stable Housing: Increased number of participants in stable housing situations.
    • Legal and Financial Stability: Improved financial planning and legal support outcomes.

    The Seasoned Brothaz Network Direct Services Program iscommitted to empowering Black gay men living with HIV and aging by providingholistic and comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.

    Through this program, participants will experience improvedhealth outcomes, enhanced mental health, increased social support, stablehousing, and greater legal and financial stability.

  • Program Components:

    Healthcare Services:

    • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Ensure all participants have access to ART, which is crucial for managing HIV and
      maintaining an undetectable viral load. Regular monitoring of viral load and
      CD4 counts will be conducted to track treatment effectiveness.
    • Comprehensive Health Screenings: Regularscreenings for opportunistic infections and other HIV-related complications,
      including routine blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, and screenings
      for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

    Mental Health Support:

    • Counseling Services: Provideindividual and group counseling sessions to address mental health issues such
      as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Licensed mental health professionals will
      offer therapy tailored to the unique experiences of Black gay men living with
      HIV.
    • Support Groups: Facilitate peer-ledsupport groups where participants can share experiences and coping strategies
      in a safe and supportive environment.

    Chronic Disease Management:

    • Integrated Care: Offer integrated care for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and
      cardiovascular diseases, which are more prevalent in aging populations. This
      includes regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.
    • Specialist Referrals: Provide referrals to specialists such as endocrinologists, cardiologists, and
      nephrologists as needed to manage complex health issues.

    Preventive Care:

    • Vaccinations: Ensure participants receive recommended vaccinations, including those for influenza, pneumococcal
      disease, hepatitis A and B, and COVID-19.
    • Routine Health Maintenance: Promote regular health maintenance activities such as dental check-ups, vision
      screenings, and cancer screenings (e.g., colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer).

    Nutritional Support:

    • Dietary Counseling: Offer nutritional counseling to help participants maintain a balanced diet that
      supports their overall health and well-being. This includes managing dietary
      needs related to HIV and other chronic conditions.
    • Food Assistance Programs: Connect participants with food assistance programs to ensure they have access to
      healthy and nutritious food.

    Substance Use Support:

    • Substance Use Counseling: Provide counseling and support for individuals dealing with substance use issues. This
      includes harm reduction strategies and referrals to substance use treatment programs.
    • Support Groups: Facilitate support groups for individuals in recovery, providing a community of peers who
      understand their experiences.

    Holistic and Complementary Therapies:

    • Alternative Therapies: Offer access to complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga,
      which can help manage pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
    • Mindfulness and Meditation: Provide mindfulness and meditation sessions to help participants manage stress and
      improve mental health.
    • Health Education and Promotion
    • Workshops and Seminars: Conduct regular workshops and seminars on topics such as HIV management, healthy aging,
      mental health, and chronic disease prevention.
    • Health Literacy Programs: Develop programs to improve health literacy, ensuring participants understand their
      health conditions and treatment options.

    Social Support Services:

    • Peer Support Groups: Facilitate peer-led support groups to reduce isolation and build community.
      Housing Assistance: Provide housingsupport to ensure stable living conditions.
    • Legal and Financial Services: Offer assistance with legal issues and financial planning, including retirement
      planning.

    Educational and Preventive Services:

    • Health Education: Conduct workshopson HIV prevention, treatment adherence, and healthy aging.
      PrEP and PEP Access: Increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention.
  • To determine your eligibility for our program and take advantage of these valuable resources, please click on the link below to complete our Seasoned Brothaz Eligibility Survey.