Grant: Team Grant: HIV/AIDS and STBBI Community-Based Research -General Indigenous Pool

Young women in Saskatchewan, especially those aged 16 to 25, are facing rising rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Many of these young women also experience challenges such as unstable housing, mental health issues, substance use, and systemic racism. These overlapping issues make it harder for them to access the care and support they need. Indigenous women and those who use drugs are especially affected. The Rivers of Hope project is a five-year, community-led research initiative that aims to improve health outcomes for these young women. The project will work closely with community members, including those with lived experience, to design and test new ways of delivering care that are culturally safe, trauma-informed, and responsive to real-life challenges. The project will use a participatory approach, meaning that young women and community partners will be involved in every step-from shaping the research questions to sharing the results. Together, they will explore what kinds of services and supports are most helpful, and how to make them more accessible. This includes testing new models like mobile outreach, peer-led navigation, and integrated prenatal care. Throughout the project, the team will also focus on building capacity within the health system. This means offering training and tools to healthcare providers and community organizations so they can better support young women. The project will also review current health policies to understand what helps or hinders effective care. To share what they learn, the team will host community events, storytelling sessions, and youth-led presentations. They will also create easy-to-understand materials like videos and infographics to make sure the knowledge reaches those who need it most. In the end, Rivers of Hope aims to create lasting change by improving how care is delivered, reducing health risks, and supporting the resilience and well-being of young women in Saskatchewan.