Carlos A. Toledo, Gary Uhl, PhD, and Erin DeCaro, MPH. Program Evaluation Research Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mail Stop E-59, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404.639.3455, cot8@cdc.gov

Communities of color are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. To address these health disparities, in 1999 and 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded community-based HIV prevention programs. These programs are referred to as the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI). Subsequent to funding the programs, an evaluation of MAI was initiated.

The evaluation of MAI uses a multi-component, multi-method design. A qualitative component of the evaluation includes an assessment of the extent to which four communities have addressed the HIV prevention needs of communities of color. Data for this component were collected with focus groups and interviews with community stakeholders (e.g., Community Planning Co-Chairs, Community Planning Members, and staff from community-based organizations).

The presenters will discuss findings derived from data collected at two different time points, and focus on responses from HIV prevention community planning group members and co-chairs. Topics will include planning group members’ perceptions of: (1) the state of HIV prevention in their respective communities; (2) the extent to which the HIV prevention plans address the needs of communities of color, and; (3) how community-based organizations are collaborating and coordinating their efforts to minimize the duplication of prevention services. Lastly, presenters will discuss the implications of the findings and the next steps in this evaluation.

Learning Objectives: