StayWell Health Center serves as a leading responder to the overlapping syndemics of HIV, hepatitis C, STIs, and social determinants of health in the Waterbury, Connecticut metro area. Through a status-neutral approach, StayWell ensures that all individuals—regardless of HIV status—are connected to comprehensive prevention or treatment services without stigma or delay.

This work is supported in part by FOCUS (Frontlines of Communities in the United States), an initiative of Gilead Sciences, which has enhanced our ability to implement the TEST model: Test, Educate, Support, and Treat. This model guides our efforts to expand routine screening, provide immediate education and counseling, and ensure same-day linkage to PrEP or HIV treatment services.

StayWell’s integrated approach relies on close coordination between our clinical team and our outreach and prevention services. Outreach staff provide testing and education in both clinical and community-based settings, while medical providers offer rapid PrEP initiation and same-day antiretroviral therapy for newly diagnosed individuals. The collaboration has normalized testing, streamlined linkage to care, and strengthened outcomes in underserved communities throughout Waterbury.

Recognizing that health outcomes are influenced by housing, behavioral health, and access to basic needs, our prevention work is closely connected to supportive services. By addressing syndemics holistically, StayWell is working to reduce disparities, promote health equity, and advance Ending the Epidemic goals across the Waterbury area.