Grant Provides for Expanded HIV Services

East Tennessee State University can expand clinical services to provide support for individuals with HIV in the region due to a grant awarded in 2022.

Dr. Jonathan Moorman, co-director of the ETSU Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Diseases, and Immunity and vice chair for Research and Scholarship in the Department of Internal Medicine, received a notice of award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

The Ryan White HIV Center of Excellence (COE) has received Ryan White Part B funding from the Tennessee Department of Health for more than 20 years. The COE provides an interdisciplinary, teambased approach focusing on HIV testing and treatment, primary care, mental health services, case management, and assistance with food, transportation, and medication. In addition, services such as prevention and education, harm reduction, and the opportunity to participate in research are provided in partnership with community and university organizations.

The COE can expand its services thanks to the award of Ryan White Part C funds. The Ryan White (Part C) Early Intervention Services grant awards $975,159 over the course of three years and allows the COE to establish a new clinical site in Sullivan

County in conjunction with the division of Infectious Diseases at Quillen College of Medicine.

“This funding supports new providers and space for our patients in Sullivan County and adjacent rural areas, making it easier for these patients to get state-of-the-art HIV care, primary care, and mental health services,” Moorman said. “We are excited about a new site in Kingsport.” four-week summer experience for rising junior and senior college students, which includes one week on Quillen’s campus. During that week, students are in Quillen’s classrooms, simulation labs, and the state-of-the-art anatomy lab. The remaining three weeks take place in the community, working alongside a physician and developing a community engagement project.

The Johnson City Ryan White HIV Center of Excellence and ETSU Health Infectious Disease clinic is located at 615 North State of Franklin Road in Johnson City, Tennessee. Updates will follow when the Kingsport site opens to receive patients.

College students one and a half years prior to their anticipated application to Quillen who are from one of 29 designated counties of Tennessee, Virginia, or North Carolina, are eligible to apply for the EQUIP program. Students who complete EQUIP are granted a guaranteed interview or a guaranteed acceptance based on academic performance and other preset parameters when they apply to Quillen.

“In 2022, we had more than 3,900 applicants to Quillen College of Medicine, so a guaranteed interview is a strong start for students who participate in this program and dream of a career in medicine,” said Dr. Bill Block, ETSU Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine. “EQUIP is yet another way for Quillen to fulfill its mission and give prospective students the tools they need to reach their goals.”

There is no cost to be a part of EQUIP, nor to attend any EQUIP-sponsored activities, thanks to the program’s sponsors, Tennessee Center for Health Workforce Development and Ballad Health. Camp space is limited to 20 high school students with EQUIP pathway program seats set to 12 college students at each year level. To learn more, visit etsu.edu/equip.