Project Purpose: Our intervention aimed to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS among patients by fostering a supportive and understanding environment. Additionally, our intervention promoted gender-affirming care for employees at North Country HealthCare, ensuring that all staff and patients feel respected in their identities. Overall, the initiative aimed to create a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare setting for both patients and staff.

Background: Stigma can affect both patients and healthcare employees and remains a barrier to accessing adequate health care. This particularly affects patients who are living with HIV since patients who perceive high levels of HIV-related stigma are 2.4 times more likely to delay enrollment in care. Addressing this issue and focusing on gender-affirming care can help improve health outcomes and create a safe environment. 

Methods: Two interventions were used for this project. The first targeted North Country HealthCare employees through a health education lesson focusing on preventing stigma and supporting gender-affirming care. The lesson included role-play scenarios to help employees understand and address stigma and gender-affirming care in the workplace. The second intervention supported Ryan White patients through the creation of a website focusing on mindfulness techniques and stigma-reduction tools. Additionally, we assembled and distributed mindfulness goodie bags containing items such as journals and massagers to promote mindfulness practices and support patient wellbeing. 

Conclusions: During the educational presentation to North Country Healthcare employees, a pre and post-test was conducted. Knowledge about how to reduce stigma among North Country HealthCare employees increased by 13%. Additionally, the comfort of working with HIV patients increased by 13%. Commonly written feedback from our participants included gratitude and an improved understanding of gender-affirming care and stigma. Looking ahead, the Ryan White Part B program will be equipped with digital platforms and interactive activities to better support patients living with HIV.