Identifying core elements in a successful leadership development program for HIV- positive women

Issue: Women in the U.S. are increasingly affected by HIV, with women of color disproportionately infected. Peer based programs that promote HIV prevention and linkage to care are utilized around the country often with little evidence regarding the critical elements and required resources.

Description: Each year, 25 HIV-positive women from around the country, representative of the epidemic's demographics, are selected to participate in a 10 month program known as the Consumer Leadership Corps Training Program (CLTP). Faculty for the CLTP is mainly HIV positive women. Funded through the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) the CLTP uses an adult collective learning model and train-the-trainer curriculum to provide education, skill building, practice opportunities, and mentoring in combination with contractual obligations to develop effective HIV educators and community leaders. Participants are required to reach a minimum of 120 community members with HIV prevention and treatment education in their home communities. Since 2000, CLTP graduates have provided outreach and education to more than 25,000 individuals in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Graduates have significant accomplishments beyond program requirements, including chairing HIV/AIDS Planning Councils, starting non-profit organizations and national HIV advocacy. Lessons learned: Six core elements of the CLTP have been identified by external evaluators. Among them, positive role models, ample practice time, teach back opportunities, mentoring and easy access to staff are ranked high by participants. Recommendations: Inclusion of the six core elements of the CLTP is encouraged in the development of HIV peer education and other HIV consumer focused programs for women.