Kansas HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (CPG)
Bureau of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 210
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1274
HIV Section: (785) 296-6173
STD Section (785) 296-5596
- History of the Kansas HIV Prevention Community Planning Group
- Why Community Involvement?
- Does the CPG make a difference?
- What can you do?
- Roles of Community Planning Groups
- EPI (Epidemiological) Profile - 2004 (.pdf)
History of the Kansas HIV Prevention Community Planning Group
In 1994, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked state and local health departments across the United States to initiate community planning to create recommendations for federally funded HIV prevention programs.
As a result, the Kansas HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (CPG) was formed. Community prevention planning reflects the belief that HIV prevention priorities and needs can best be determined in the community at the local level. The goal of community planning is to slow the spread of AIDS and prevent new HIV infections through increased community involvement.
Why Community Involvement?
The HIV epidemic is a very diverse one. Who is infected with HIV varies from community to community. Even within different groups affected by HIV, the values and practices of local communities vary from city to city. Prevention is successful when it reaches people where they are in their lives--not where others think they ought to be.
With community planning the local community and those infected and affected by HIV determine the scope, depth and content of HIV prevention programming. In other words, the values and priorities of the community determine what is important and what is not.
Does the CPG make a difference?
Yes. Until community planning, government support for creative programs was limited. We've had to depend on private funding or our own volunteer efforts to develop the most creative programs. Now the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the communities for whom these services are intended share decisions about HIV prevention activities, services, and funding. Take advantage of this opportunity to encourage the innovators in your community to come aboard.
What can you do?
The CPG seeks meaningful involvement from community members like you to help continually refine and tailor HIV prevention that is culturally sensitive, scientifically sound, and addresses the unique needs of those communities at highest risk.
To participate, just show up at a meeting or take part in a meeting by conference call. Meetings alternate between statewide phone conference calls and open meetings in different cities across Kansas.
For information on the date, time, and location of the next CPG meeting contact (785) 296-6173.
Roles of Community Planning Groups:
- Maintain a membership that is representative of the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity of those most impacted by HIV infection in their community;
- Assess the HIV prevention needs of Kansans who are at greatest risk of infection;
- Identify interventions to match the needs of high risk populations;
- Evaluate interventions to assure they are effective; and
- Develop a statewide comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan in accordance with CDC and state guidance.
This AIDS Ribbon was designed
by the
Kansas Capital Area Chapter
of the
American Red Cross
to raise hope and awareness
and support the fight against HIV/AIDS