The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65157

G. J. Huba, PhD¹, Lisa A. Melchior, PhD¹, Le B. Quach, MPH¹, David D. Barney, MSW, MPH, PhD², A. T. Panter, PhD³, Sandi Duggan, MA⁴, and Lois Eldred, DrPH⁵. (1) The Measurement Group, 5811A Uplander Way, Culver City, CA 90230, 310-216-1051, ghuba@themeasurementgroup.com, (2) School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma, 1005 S. Jenkins Avenue, #203, Rhyne Hall, Norman, OK 73019, (3) Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, L. L. Thurstone Psychometric Laboratory, CB#3270, Davie Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3270, (4) Health Resources & Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Department of Health & Human Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rm 7C07, Rockville, MD 20857, (5) Chief, Demonstration Project Development and Evaluation Branch, HIV/AIDS Bureau, HRSA, USDHHS, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 7C-07, Rockville, MD 20857

The HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau funded 105 Special Projects of National Significance starting in 1991 and ending no later than 2002 to develop, evaluate, and disseminate new service models for HIV/AIDS. In 2003, the cumulative outcomes and impact of these projects were studied. For the initial groups of projects, about 9 years has elapsed since projects ended, while for the more recent projects, 2 years have elapsed since project completion. Outcomes and impact were coded using a system of 17 domains of outcomes and impact. Both the time interval during and after the grant period were studied. Over the funding period, virtually all of the national demonstration projects developed new models for services and provided these enhanced services to a large number of clients. In the process of developing the national demonstration models, most were significantly and permanently altered, changing the organizational structures, the linkages that they had with other providers, and the system in which services are delivered. More than half of the projects provided population-targeted services and most of the agencies took pains to provide culturally-sensitive and culturally-appropriate HIV/AIDS services. Projects tended to be very successful in publishing their results, obtaining additional research grants, and in otherwise leveraging their experiences and credentials as “Special Projects of National Significance.” Overall the models developed were quite successful ones that have demonstrated a large number of positive outcomes, and long-term impact on both the funded agencies and the larger field of HIV/AIDS services.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Recognize the changes that resulted from SPNS funding in the organizations and the services they provide both during and after the SPNS funding period
• 2. Describe the evolution of the SPNS funded projects, models, and personnel from the time they began funding through 2003
• 3. Identify the major successes of the SPNS program to date

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.