The epidemiology of HIV/AIDS is constantly shifting, emerging in new geographical areas and new populations, and the HIV prevention community must adapt to the changes. To develop and implement effective prevention programs, community planners and agencies need both HIV and health data as well as comprehensive information on target populations. A coordinated collaborative approach among community stakeholders is needed to successfully plan and implement HIV risk reduction programs. Community participation in HIV prevention programs is critical in every aspect of prevention programs, including needs assessments, program development, monitoring, and evaluation. In the spring of 2000, the Riverside County Health Department Office of AIDS, in conjunction with the Technical Assistance Group at the UCLA School of Public Health, conducted the second HIV Prevention Community Needs Assessment. A variety of participatory approaches were used to gather quantitative and qualitative data on HIV prevention needs in the community. Key personnel from local AIDS service organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, and the local health agency collaborated throughout the assessment process. An initial community partners meeting provided a forum for stakeholders to help shape the content and format of the needs assessment. Key informant interviews and focus groups were also conducted with organization personnel, outreach workers, and members of the target populations to better understand gaps in programs as well as to develop strategies for achieving goals. Understanding the participatory process for assessing needs and strategic planning sheds light into the factors contributing to successes and failures in collaborative community planning efforts.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, the participants will be able to: 1. Describe an interactive assessment and planning process including health officials, community planners, service providers, and other community stakeholders; 2. Discuss the benefits and challenges of community-based planning collaboratives
Keywords: Community Planning, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Riverside County Department of Health Services (Office of AIDS)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.