Research

EPICC+ is a research study focused on improving HIV prevention by helping people start and stay on PrEP. Participants use a mobile app, complete surveys, and participate in simple at-home testing while receiving support, education, and resources. This study is designed to better understand real-life barriers to PrEP and create tools that make prevention easier and more accessible for communities of color.

RESTORE is a research study focused on improving smoking cessation, mental health, and HIV care among individuals living with HIV. This study uses culturally tailored approaches and mobile tools to support participants in quitting smoking and improving overall well-being. Participants may take part in virtual sessions, review content, and provide feedback to help improve the program. The goal is to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life in underserved communities.

E-VOLUTION is a research study focused on improving PrEP retention by using text-based communication and digital support tools. This study looks at how to better support individuals who are currently on PrEP or have stopped using it, with the goal of keeping people engaged in prevention care. Participants may take part in virtual interviews to share their experiences with PrEP, helping researchers design more effective programs that meet real community needs.

E-WORTH South is a research project focused on improving HIV prevention, testing, and care for Black women involved in community corrections in the Deep South. This study uses a culturally tailored, evidence-based intervention designed to address real-life challenges such as substance use, stigma, and access to care. Through this project, Five Horizons supports peer-led sessions, provides HIV/STI testing and linkage to care, and helps ensure participants receive the services and support they need. The goal is to reduce HIV risk, improve health outcomes, and expand access to prevention services for underserved populations.

HPTN 096 is a national research study focused on reducing HIV rates in the South by improving access to prevention and treatment services for communities most impacted by HIV, particularly Black men who have sex with men. At Five Horizons, this study includes staff training, quality improvement efforts, and participant engagement through surveys and data collection. The project uses a status-neutral approach, meaning it supports both individuals at risk for HIV and those living with HIV by improving access to care, PrEP, and treatment services. Five Horizons is an active study site and has been fully approved to begin recruitment and enrollment for participants. The goal is to increase access to services, improve retention in care, and reduce HIV transmission across the region.

This PCORI-funded research project focuses on improving how research is conducted in HIV care by making it more community-driven, trauma-informed, and inclusive. Five Horizons is part of a national network of eight sites working alongside academic partners to develop a new model called Trauma-Resilient Research Co-Production (TRCP). The project centers the voices of patients and staff by using surveys and focus groups to better understand how research impacts care, trust, and engagement. Findings will be used to create tools and strategies that make research more meaningful, respectful, and useful for the communities it serves. At Five Horizons, this work includes collecting patient and staff feedback, identifying barriers to care, and improving how research is shared and applied in real-world settings.

PrOTECT AL is a multi-year implementation science study focused on improving how PrEP services are delivered across Alabama, especially in communities with the greatest need. The project uses a data-driven dashboard to track the full PrEP care continuum, from screening and referral to prescription and retention, helping clinics identify gaps and respond in real time. This work is especially important in the South, where HIV rates remain high and PrEP use is still low, particularly among Black communities and women. By combining clinic data with statewide public health data, including STI trends, PrOTECT AL helps visualize where services are needed most and supports more targeted, equitable care. At Five Horizons, this project includes participating in data collection, supporting dashboard implementation, and helping refine strategies that improve PrEP access, uptake, and retention across the region.

This project focuses on using technology in a way that actually connects with young people. It builds on a previously tested HIV education game developed in Eswatini and adapts it for youth in Alabama using AI-powered features. The goal is to help young people better understand their HIV risk, reduce stigma around PrEP, and feel more comfortable engaging in prevention services. What makes this project different is that it is not just created for youth, it is created with them. Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, youth help shape how the game looks, feels, and communicates. The AI component adds a personalized experience, acting like a virtual peer that guides users through real-life scenarios and decisions related to relationships, risk, and prevention. At Five Horizons, this work connects directly to outreach and engagement. Campus Ambassadors and Peer Mentors play a role in helping co-create and implement the intervention, making sure it actually reflects the communities we serve.

Digital PrEP (SPARK / WeExPAnd) is a research study focused on improving PrEP uptake and engagement among women, particularly Black women in the South. This project builds on previous research identifying barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness, and limited provider communication. The study uses a digital, patient-centered decision support tool along with video-based education to help participants better understand their HIV risk and make informed decisions about PrEP. The intervention includes interactive content, values-based decision making, and education on different PrEP options, including daily oral and injectable forms. Participants engage in the intervention during clinic visits, complete baseline assessments, and participate in follow-up over time to better understand how these tools influence PrEP interest, referrals, and use. At Five Horizons, this work includes participant recruitment, implementation of the digital intervention, integration into clinic workflows, and collection of clinical and EMR data to evaluate PrEP uptake and outcomes.

TALC is a research study focused on addressing the impact of alcohol use on HIV care and outcomes. Unhealthy alcohol use can increase HIV transmission risk, affect treatment adherence, and worsen overall health, especially in underserved communities in the Deep South. This study tests an evidence-based behavioral health intervention called the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), which is designed to treat both alcohol use and related mental health challenges at the same time. The goal is to improve HIV outcomes by addressing the underlying behavioral and psychological factors that impact care. TALC is being implemented in both Alabama and Zambia, allowing researchers to compare outcomes across different settings and identify the most effective and scalable approaches to care. At Five Horizons, this work supports identifying and engaging individuals with higher alcohol use, connecting them to appropriate services, and contributing to research that improves integrated HIV and behavioral health care.

This research project focuses on improving sleep and cognitive health among older adults living with HIV. The study compares brief behavioral sleep treatment (BBTI) with mindfulness-based approaches to better understand how sleep interventions impact cognition, brain health, and overall well-being. At Five Horizons, this work includes securely sharing clinical data to support research efforts and help identify how sleep health influences long-term outcomes for individuals aging with HIV. The findings will contribute to improving care strategies and quality of life for this population.

This SAMHSA-funded project focuses on expanding access to behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use support, for individuals at higher risk of HIV and those currently in care. The goal is to improve overall health outcomes by addressing the behavioral and social factors that impact engagement in care. At Five Horizons, this work includes screening, referral, and ongoing support services, as well as structured data collection and reporting to track outcomes and improve service delivery. The project also supports integrated care by connecting behavioral health services with HIV prevention and treatment efforts.