Addressing HIV Disparities: Dr. Katryna McCoy’s Innovative Work in North Carolina

October 4, 2024
Categories: Faculty Spotlights, General News

Katryna McCoy, PhD, MSN, FNP-C, a faculty member at UNC Charlotte School of Nursing and a UNC CFAR Developmental awardee, has been featured in the latest UNC Center for AIDS Research’s HIViews CFAR E-bulletin. Dr. McCoy is making significant strides in tackling HIV disparities in North Carolina, with a particular focus on Black communities who are disproportionately affected by the virus.

In 2022, research showed that African Americans in North Carolina accounted for a staggering 37% of the population living with HIV, despite representing only 12% of the state’s total population. African American women, in particular, face significantly higher incidence rates. Recognizing this urgent issue, Dr. McCoy is leading Project EnSTEP, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing HIV prevention strategies specifically for Black cisgender women.

Key Interventions of Project EnSTEP

Through Project EnSTEP, Dr. McCoy is implementing targeted interventions that include:

  • Tailored PrEP Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Black women to empower them with knowledge about their prevention options.
  • Improved Healthcare Provider Communication: Working to enhance the dialogue between healthcare providers and patients to ensure that concerns and needs are addressed effectively.
  • Financial Support: Introducing “testing tickets” that cover transportation costs for HIV testing and treatment, thereby reducing financial barriers to accessing care.

By actively incorporating community feedback, Dr. McCoy’s initiative has not only raised awareness about PrEP but also identified critical gaps in communication within the healthcare system.

A Commitment to Community-Driven Solutions

Dr. McCoy’s broader commitment to fostering involvement among underrepresented researchers underscores the importance of community-driven approaches in effectively combating HIV disparities. Her work exemplifies how targeted, culturally sensitive interventions can create meaningful change in public health.

For more information on Project EnSTEP click the following link, UNC CFAR- EnSTEP.