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CrescentCare, an organization in New Orleans, Louisiana, provides healthcare services and resources to uninsured and underserved populations with a specific focus on individuals with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Data and input from CrescentCare staff indicate food insecurity, which is a lack of access to adequate and nutritious food, is a growing concern for people living with HIV in the Greater New Orleans area. Food insecurity and HIV disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations, and the concurrence of these conditions may lead to an increased risk of HIV transmission, poor HIV-related health outcomes, increased medical costs, decreased quality of life, and an increase in health disparities. This paper analyzes the association between food insecurity and HIV and provides recommendations for CrescentCare to better address the high prevalence of food insecurity in the HIV positive population. These recommendations include: 1. utilization of a two-item, validated food insecurity screening instrument at initial and annual case management interviews, 2. implementation of an acuity scale based on patients’ needs for the Food For Friends Pantry, and 3. referrals to the CrescentCare dietitians for patients who screen positive for food insecurity. These recommendations should lead to a decrease in the prevalence or severity of food insecurity in patients with HIV at CrescentCare, and successful implementation of these recommendations would provide data and guidelines for other organizations. |
