This presentation will provide an in-depth overview of our agency’s innovative street outreach strategies for HIV prevention and treatment across Texas. We focus on connecting with populations often labeled as “hard to reach” through a combination of trauma-informed care and peer navigation, designed to foster trust and engagement. Our approach prioritizes immediacy—once we identify individuals in need, we work to link them to HIV care or initiate PrEP within 24 hours, and often on the same day. We are leading the effort for prompt diagnosis and linkage to care in Texas when individuals in many areas have to wait days, even weeks, for a doctor’s appointment.

Central to our model are two key philosophies: “Red Carpet Treatment” and the “Kick-In Approach.” The Red Carpet Treatment ensures every client feels valued, respected, and cared for from the very first interaction. We recognize that many clients have experienced stigma, neglect, or trauma, so patience and genuine compassion are foundational to building lasting relationships. The Kick-In Approach involves proactive, personalized outreach, meeting clients exactly where they are – physically and emotionally—to reduce barriers and encourage sustained engagement. Clients are not discharged; we wait.

In this session, we share success stories, practical tools, sample forms, and lessons learned from implementing these strategies in diverse Southern communities. Attendees will gain insight into how human connection, strategic outreach, and rapid care linkage can dramatically improve outcomes in HIV prevention and treatment. This presentation aims to inspire service providers to adopt more empathetic, client-centered approaches to combat HIV.