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DeAnn M. Gruber, PhD, Louisiana Office of Public Health, HIV/AIDS Program, 234 Loyla Ave., 5th Fl., New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-568-7474, degruber@dhh.la.gov and Michael J. Zakour, PhD, Tulane University, Graduate School of Social Work, 6823 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118.
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine how membership characteristics and level of formalization impact community planning groups’ ability to successfully support services that address the needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Methods: This multi-subject, time-series case study examined three regional Ryan White CARE Act Title II Consortia’s retrospective membership and organizational data and their funding allocation decisions. Statewide needs assessment results and surveillance data from a four-year period were also collected and analyzed. Results: Results concluded that Consortium A reflected characteristics of dysfunctions and transition, impacting its ability to accomplish its goals. Consortium B exhibited a strong organizational structure, but suffered from poor membership diversity. Despite a continuing decline in the cumulative needs and gaps in the region, there were several obvious disparities in serving the region’s most affected populations. Consortium C displayed a diverse and active membership and a formalized organizational structure, and possessed the strongest positive statistical correlation between resource allocations and service needs. The region also exhibited high service utilization patterns with minimal disparities among PLWH in the region. Conclusions: This study concluded that the membership characteristics and organizational structure of three regional RWCA Title II consortia in Louisiana influenced each consortium’s ability to identify service needs and gaps and to allocate funds to support services for PLWH. Findings presented a cautionary tale of the need to avoid a highly rigid and inflexible structure, which may limit a consortium’s ability to accomplish its goals and impact the level of service delivery to PLWH.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Community Planning
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.