Marina MacNamara¹, Marie Harris², Michael Giconi³, Michael Rosencrantz³, Peter Bowler³, Gauri Dwivedi¹, and Farnoosh Hashemian⁴. (1) Global Health Department, Yale University School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 60 College St.60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, 203 494 3262, marina.macnamara@yale.edu, (2) School of Epidemiology and Public/Health Policy, Yale University, 60 College Street, PO Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, (3) Alliance For Living, 154 Broad Street, New London, CT 06320, (4) School of Public Health/Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University, 60 College Street, PO Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520

Objective: The purpose of this study was to conduct a gap analysis of an HIV/AIDS service organization’s programs and services in relation to client needs. Background: The Alliance for Living (AFL) is a community based, non-medical service provider for those affected by HIV and AIDS in New London County, CT. AFL serves a population of approximately 215, of whom 45% are female and 55% are male. AFL offers long and short term services including case management, support groups, social activities, a fitness room, a “drop in” center, and a food bank. Certain programs, however, are underutilized and therefore AFL requested a public health student consultant team to conduct a gap analysis. Methods: The consultant team conducted 15 in-depth interviews with a random convenience sample of AFL members, 5 interviews with AFL staff, and two focus groups with AFL members to explore the strengths of the program services and barriers to other program services. Qualitative analysis was done searching for themes related to program strengths and barriers. Staff perspectives and member perspectives were then compared to identify gaps in perceptions and the importance of various services. Results: The results highlight areas of misperceptions between staff and clients; key barriers to program utilization by members and recommendations for improving services and increasing program utilization. The results also have implications for similar HIV/AIDS service organizations across the country.

Authors:

Gauri Dwivedi Marie Harris Farnoosh Hashemian Marina MacNamara Michael Rosenkrantz Michael Giconi Peter Bowler

Learning Objectives:

• To identify the service and support needs of the service organization's members.
• To identify client barriers to accessing appropriate services and support.

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.