FAQ

Answering your frequently asked questions

HPTN 096 is a research study focused on helping men in the southern United States who are at risk for acquiring HIV and men who are living with HIV get better access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

The southern U.S. has the highest number of new HIV cases in the country—especially among men. Many of these men face barriers like stigma, lack of access to care, and limited information.

The study supports men who have sex with men living in select communities in the southern U.S., whether they live with HIV or not:

  • If you live with HIV, the study helps you get better care and support to stay healthy and keep your virus levels low (called viral suppression), which means you can’t pass HIV to others (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
  • If you don’t live with HIV, the study helps you learn about and get access to PrEP, a medicine that can prevent HIV.

HPTN 096 is starting in:

  • Dallas, Texas
  • Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Florida
  • Montgomery, Alabama

HPTN 096 is an implementation study that tests how well the program works while it is put into practice in real life. Researchers will look at de-identified health data before and after the program to see what changes, such as the number of new HIV PrEP or treatment prescriptions in each community.

HPTN 096 uses four main strategies to support men and improve HIV care:

Peer Support
  • Peer Supporters offer 1:1 emotional help and practical advice.
  • They share info about local HIV services and other resources to support overall health.
  • They help connect people to clinics and resources in the study.
PHASE Program for Health Care Facilities
  • Trains clinics to be more welcoming and respectful.
  • Helps improve HIV prevention and treatment services through training and evaluation.
  • Supports men living with HIV to stay in care and achieve viral suppression.
Health Access Coalitions
  • Individuals work together to identify and remove barriers to HIV care in their communities.
  • They raise awareness, fight stigma, and advocate for resources that support men impacted by HIV.
Social Media
  • Uses local social media to share info about HIV testing, PrEP, and treatment.
  • Designs and implements campaigns to promote healthy decision-making.
  • Helps connect men to study resources and local support.

The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) is a global research network that works to stop the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Three U.S. health institutes support the study HPTN 096:

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
  • National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

You can follow the study on social media (@hptn096beta) and connect with participating healthcare facilities, health access coalitions, and peer supporters in the study communities.

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