Project Prevent, Engage, Empower, Respond (PEER): An HBCU-Led HIV and Substance Use Primary Prevention Intervention

Eboneé T Johnson; Milan Jackson; Susan Flowers-Benton; Duhita Mahatmya; Amber Hawkins; Joseph Paul Pete; Clarence Merckerson

doi:10.1177/15248399261437137

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Project Prevent, Engage, Empower, Respond (PEER): An HBCU-Led HIV and Substance Use Primary Prevention Intervention

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Project Prevent, Engage, Empower, Respond (PEER): An HBCU-Led HIV and Substance Use Primary Prevention Intervention

Eboneé T Johnson, Milan Jackson, Susan Flowers-Benton, Duhita Mahatmya, Amber Hawkins, Joseph Paul Pete and Clarence Merckerson

Health promotion practice

04/20/2026

DOI: 10.1177/15248399261437137

PMID: 42011030

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Abstract

We share the process of implementing Project Prevent, Engage, Empower, Respond (PEER), a HIV and substance use primary prevention initiative led by Southern University and A&M College in partnership with the University of Iowa. Project PEER was developed to address the emerging needs of Black/African American college students (ages 18-25) residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a federal Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) priority area. Planning involved ongoing consultation with relevant Historically Black/College University (HBCU) and community stakeholders and triangulating multimodal primary and secondary data sources to inform implementation and continuous improvement efforts. Implementation included raising awareness about sexual health promotion and substance use prevention, bimonthly mobile HIV testing, disseminating prevention supplies and print-based materials, delivering the Prevention Plus Wellness evidence-based intervention, and broader community and social media outreach and engagement efforts. Lessons from PEER support the value of HBCU-led, community-academic partnerships that are flexible, culturally congruent, and young adult-driven.

Health Promotion

HIV/AIDS

infectious disease/control/prevention

college health

sexual health

community academic partnerships

substance use/substance use disorder

African American/Black

Details

Title: Subtitle: Project Prevent, Engage, Empower, Respond (PEER): An HBCU-Led HIV and Substance Use Primary Prevention Intervention
Creators: Eboneé T Johnson - University of Iowa
Milan Jackson - Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Susan Flowers-Benton - Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Duhita Mahatmya - University of Iowa
Amber Hawkins - University of Chicago
Joseph Paul Pete - Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Clarence Merckerson - Hampden–Sydney College
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Health promotion practice
DOI: 10.1177/15248399261437137
PMID: 42011030
ISSN: 1552-6372
eISSN: 1552-6372
Publisher: Sage
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 04/20/2026
Academic Unit: Center for Social Science Innovation; Psychological and Quantitative Foundations; Community and Behavioral Health
Record Identifier: 9985155243402771

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