Hand me my glasses, I can't see: Creating transparency, building community partnerships with research and governmental organizations; Sharing power, decision making and resources equitably

In response to the epidemic sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates that has plagued Los Angeles for years, Los Angeles community members, Los Angeles County Division of HIV and STD Programs (DHSP) and local community based organizations engaged in an innovative effort to address STIs in communities of color. Lead by Black Women for Wellness (BWW), in collaboration with Second District Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas' Office, Los Angeles County DHSP, Sentient Research and California Family Health Council, an innovative approach to facilitate community engagement around STD Prevention and Control in South Los Angeles, which comprises of 40% of all Los Angeles County gonorrhea (GC) cases was implemented. BWW organized bimonthly Community Stakeholder Group meetings over a year (2012) that engaged second district community members around novel strategies to address STIs in South Los Angeles. An evaluation was conducted after each meeting to receive feedback from the community and identify recurring themes. Two other entities evaluated the CSG and provided useful feedback. This workshop will review trends in evaluations submitted over the past year, discuss approaches to mobilizing community, working with community partners around STI Prevention, identifying nontraditional partners, and building capacity within the community to enhance STD prevention and control. In addition, discuss strategies to address challenges and barriers to working in community based participatory research.