 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Suzanne Randolph, PhD, Kevin Hylton, PhD, Lilliana Morales, and Victor Ramirez. Center for Community Prevention and Treatment Research, The MayaTech Corporation, 1100 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301 587-1600, srandolph@mayatech.com
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) grew out of legislation spearheaded by the Congressional Black Caucus to address the disparity in HIV infection between minority and non-minority groups. The MAI provided resources to community-based organizations to address the HIV prevention needs of African Americans, other racial/ethnic minority groups, and gay men of color. As part of the MAI, CDC initiated a comprehensive evaluation of these funded programs. The MAI Evaluation uses a longitudinal, non-experimental study design to assess the programs’ accomplishments. Twenty focus groups and 50 interviews were conducted with community-based organizations’ staffs, elected officials, members of community/prevention planning groups, and health department representatives in four communities. Participants stated that some policies increase the need for prevention activities, while others impede prevention efforts. Frequently mentioned policies affecting HIV prevention were related to housing, immigration laws, social services, newborn screening, and needle exchange. The post 9/11 economy was also a factor. Partner notification laws have increased the need for counseling, testing, and referral (CTR) services. Rapid testing methods, mobile vans, and CTR services in community settings have increased availability and access to services. Policies may reduce the effectiveness of HIV prevention efforts or account for increases in awareness, openness, and CTR services. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to identify policy-related implications for HIV prevention and to discuss the sociopolitical context in which HIV prevention takes place.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Policy/Policy Development
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.