To transform HIV care and reduce HIV incidence in Michigan, Vivent Health, an HIV care provider with locations across four states, is merging with UNIFIED, a Detroit-based provider of HIV services, according to a joint news release.

News of the merger comes as Vivent welcomes its new president and CEO, Brandon Hill, PhD, who has an extensive background in LGBTQ and sexual health care services.

“I am thrilled to lead the next chapter of Vivent Health as we reach a new era of the HIV epidemic with advancements in treatment and prevention strategies,” Hill said in a press statement announcing his leadership role. “Our proven model of care is an incredibly effective tool in addressing what continues to be one of the most pressing public health issues, particularly among LGBTQ+ people and communities of color.”

About the upcoming merger, Hill said: “Vivent Health is working with UNIFIED to transform their model of care to ensure people living with HIV and at elevated risk for HIV exposure have direct access to critical health care, antiretroviral therapy, prevention and essential social services to combat co-occurring HIV, sexually transmitted infection and opioid epidemics in Detroit.”

Each year, UNIFIED supports more than 1,000 residents throughout 10 counties in southeastern Michigan who are living with, affected by or at risk of contracting HIV. For 40 years, the nonprofit has provided essential health care services, including case management, HIV prevention, education and access to support services.

According to AIDSVu statistics, about 11,000 people are living with HIV in the Detroit metro area. Black and Latino people are disproportionately impacted, accounting for about 68% and 23% of new HIV cases, respectively. What’s more, about 20% of people are diagnosed late, and 20% do not receive care, leading to worse health outcomes.

95% of Black Vivent Health patients achieved viral suppression, compared to a national average of 61%. When a person...

Posted by Vivent Health on Monday, February 5, 2024

 

As one of the largest HIV providers in the nation, Vivent offers various services, including dental care, pharmacies, case management, mental health care, HIV education, awareness and more. Based in Wisconsin, Vivent Health also operates clinics in Colorado, Missouri and Texas. 

Vivent’s integrated approach to HIV care has helped 95% of patients achieve viral suppression, meaning they cannot transmit HIV to others. What’s more, 93% of Black patients have achieved viral suppression, which exceeds the national rate of 62% and Michigan’s rate of 67%.

The new partnership aims to improve racial disparities in HIV and reduce new HIV cases through access to HIV care and treatment. The merger is expected to be finalized on May 1, 2024.

Matt Browning, chair of UNIFIED’s board of directors, recognizes Vivent’s effective strategies and sees “the positive impact Vivent Health is making in a growing number of communities.”

“With racial inequities continuing to drive the HIV epidemic, the need to transform the way we deliver HIV care and prevention services in Detroit and broader Michigan is clear,” Browning said in the news release.

“UNIFIED has a rich history of fighting HIV at the grassroots level, working to achieve optimal health through compassionate direct care, support services and prevention and leading efforts to reduce HIV stigma,” said Arvan Chan, chair of Vivent Health’s board. “We are pleased our organizations are working together to offer integrated solutions that will deliver the best outcomes for the people in Detroit and beyond.”

To read more, click #Vivent Health.