HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (CPG)-August Meeting Review

At the August meeting of the CPG, Dr. Hader engaged the CPG in a discussion about what HAA needs from the CPG as we move forward from the after-math of the reorganization of the CPG. Dr. Hader stressed that while she cannot tell the CPG how to accomplish our goals and tasks, she can outlay the needs of HAA to the CPG. At a minimum, the CPG should fulfill all CDC prevention mandates, including annual applications, population prioritization, gap analysis and the prevention plan for DC per the schedule provide by HAA. Additionally, the CPG must be a diverse body consisting of members with various skill sets which can be used to accomplish tasks. HAA would prefer that mandated processes (i.e., member recruitment, prioritization) utilize point people whom HAA can go to for information, clarification and to help ensure that processes are not stalled. Optimally, in addition to the minimum requirements, Dr. Hader encourages CPG members to engage in dialogue with HAA and provide insight about the prevention needs in the District that go beyond the CDC grant application. Dr. Hader also looks forward to having meaningful engagement with and from the Operations committee of the CPG and beseeched the committee institute a method that will ensure that HAA is aware of the progress of CPG activities and vice versa. The CPG requested that going forward that processes and communications from HAA be transparent as possible, and that there is mutual accountability for deadlines and task completion.
At the July CPG meeting, the bylaws were changed, resulting in the eradication of all standing committees and the installation of an Operations Committee. At the August meeting two members were voted on two the operations committee: Melina Afzal and I, Zenovia Wright. A motion was made to increase the size of the Operations Committee from five members to seven; this motion will be discussed and voted on at the next meeting of the CPG. Should this motion be approved, the two other CPG members who were nominated for the Operations Committee (Ron Simmons and Cyndee Clay) will be considered to fill the two remaining spots on the committee. Melina Afzal will serve a one-year term on the Operations committee and serve as chair of the ad-hoc Membership Committee. I will serve a two-year term and chair the ad-hoc Data/Prioritization Committee. Ad hoc committees are open to input and participation from all CPG and community members. Meeting dates and times TBA.
HAA was recently notified that the CDC Interim Progress Report is due from HAA on 8/22/08, approximately three weeks earlier than normal. As HAA is in the process of reviewing an RFA, they cannot identify how funds will be distributed throughout the city, however they can report that there are more funds available this year ($2mil compared to last year’s $1.4mil), and that they are looking at all target populations as well as some special populations. The report will also discuss the progress being made; final funding decisions will be made by October 1. The CPG authorized the Operations committee to review the IPR on its behalf and provide HAA with a letter of concurrence, non-concurrence or concurrence with reservations. HAA will provide a draft to the CPG by 8/22. The Operations committee will meet on 8/26 and notify HAA and the CPG of its decision.
The next meeting of the full CPG will be held on September 11, 2008 at 5:30 PM at 64 New York Ave NE. All are welcome to attend.