minority

More blacks in Florida are living with HIV or are already dead from AIDS than any other racial or ethnic group. In Florida, approximately 1 in 58 non-Hispanic black males and 1 in 83 non-Hispanic black females were living with a diagnosed case of HIV/AIDS. This compares with approximately 1 in 310 non-Hispanic white males, 1 in 1,625 non-Hispanic white females, 1 in 148 Hispanic males, and 1 in 553 Hispanic females. There are HIV/AIDS gaps between blacks and whites and gaps between Hispanics and whites, but the black-white gap is the widest by far. As a result, the Department of Health has redoubled its commitment and mobilized its resources to address the disproportionate impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on minority communities. Numerous innovative interventions, strategies and initiatives, such as those described in this document, reflect measured input from committed community members, legislators and public health officials. Some of the specified activities have already begun to produce results, while others show strong promise for benefits in the near and long term. With the persistence of disparities concerning HIV/AIDS among minorities, the department considers it an urgent priority to seek even further interventions to reverse this unacceptable trend.

Ongoing and/or Current Initiatives

Silence is Death Initiative: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS produced a report entitled “Silence is Death: The Crisis of HIV/AIDS in Florida’s Black Communities. The report documents racial/ethnic disparities according to several persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) (reported cases) measures in the 20 Florida counties with a total of at least 600 PLWHA through 2005. The PLWHA data for the top 20 counties are presented in rank order so that the experience of each county can be put in perspective with the others, facilitating the targeting and prioritization of efforts to close the gaps.

The report was written to serve as a community mobilization tool to assist counties to break the silence by raising awareness about HIV/AIDS among blacks; encourage local governments and communities to expand and strengthen their responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic among blacks; encourage individuals to be tested for HIV/AIDS; increase access to HIV prevention and care services; reduce barriers to HIV testing, prevention and care by reducing HIV/AIDS stigma; and to stimulate the development of a plan to address the disproportionate impact that HIV/AIDS is having on black communities.

Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network: The purpose of the Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network is to reduce new HIV infections and eliminate racial/ethnic HIV/AIDS disparities by promoting HIV prevention, counseling, testing and linkage to care programs. The minority network fosters and develops linkages between minority community leaders, minority community-based organizations (CBO) and to the department by providing advocacy, resources and strategies to increase quality HIV/AIDS services to minority communities. The Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network consists of community groups of black and Latino men who have sex with men, black and Latina women and minority network Liaisons. The Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network was restructured in January 2007 to become more inclusive of all racial/ethnic minorities, improve communications, provide better coordination and eliminate duplication.

Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) Consultation: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS hosted a MSM Consultation that included both black and Latino men. The consultation was in response to recent national and statewide HIV/AIDS data that continue to show the disproportionate impact that HIV/AIDS is having among black and Latino MSM. The purpose of this consultation is to allow a small group of black and Latino MSM discuss their perspectives on what needs to be done to address the increasing rates of HIV/AIDS in their communities. The meeting concluded with several outstanding recommendations.

Women of Color Consultation: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS hosted a Women of Color Consultation that included both black and Latina women. The consultation was in response to recent national and statewide HIV/AIDS data that continue to show the increasing HIV/AIDS rates among women of color. The purpose of this consultation is to allow a small group of black and Latina women discuss their perspectives on what needs to be done to address the increasing rates of HIV/AIDS in their communities. The meeting concluded with several outstanding recommendations.

Regional Minority AIDS Coordinators, Statewide Coordinator: Four Regional Minority HIV/AIDS Coordinator positions and one Statewide Minority HIV/AIDS Coordinator position were created by the 1999 legislature (House Bill 2125) within the Florida Department of Health. Later, the number of regional minority coordinators was increased from four to nine, expanding coverage to nine geographic areas. The goal of the minority coordinators is to facilitate statewide efforts to implement and coordinate HIV/AIDS prevention, early intervention and treatment programs. The primary responsibilities of this position include providing or coordinating technical assistance to community-based organizations (CBOs) and providing consultation on community planning, treatment and care and prevention specifically as it relates to minority needs and activities. Regional Minority AIDS Coordinators

Statewide Minority Media Campaign: On June 1, 2000, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS unveiled the HIV/AIDS Minority Media Campaign. The media awareness program entitled, “We Make The Change,” is aimed at increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS throughout Florida’s minority populations, including African American, Hispanic and Haitian/Caribbean Americans. The campaign includes television and radio commercials, a public service message, print ads, outdoor ads and a website. The campaign will be expanded to include the AIDS Drug Assistance initiative.

Collaboration with the NAACP: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS works closely with the NAACP to address HIV/AIDS disparities among blacks. The bureau helps to organize health fairs, participate during annual statewide conventions and consult the President of the NAACP on statewide HIV/AIDS issues as it relates to blacks.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a community mobilization effort that emphasizes the disproportionate impact that HIV/AIDS is having among blacks and encourages individuals to be counseled and tested for the virus. Each year, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS encourages community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and county health departments from across the state to conduct educational and outreach activities, HIV testing and many other special events that will empower and mobilize black communities in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD): October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. This day is set aside to heighten awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage individuals to get tested for HIV. Each year, the bureau encourages county health departments, community-based organizations and the community as a whole to plan and participate in HIV/AIDS activities that promote awareness and encourages individuals to get tested for HIV. Statewide NLAAD events usually include HIV/AIDS outreach, counseling, testing, referral services, health fairs, educational presentations and condom distribution in Latino communities.

Minority AIDS Initiative: The bureau currently funds seven minority community-based organizations to increase and continue minority participation in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. The Antiretroviral Treatment Access Study (ARTAS) is implemented as a tool to improve linkage to care for HIV infected minorities that are not in care.

Building Organizational Proficiency Projects (BOPP): The Bureau of HIV/AIDS provides $75,000 in funding to two minority community-based organizations, which provide services on a voluntary basis and may have applied for grants, but have been unsuccessful in securing funding. The funds will allow the establishment of infrastructure, including securing a location, office furniture and other office supplies, and funds for the hiring of qualified applicants into key positions. The community-based organizations will continue to receive intensive one-on-one capacity building assistance and technical assistance from the bureau and county health department staff.

HIV Counseling and Testing Initiatives: The Department of Health and community partners performed a record 301,687 HIV tests in 2003, 295,602 HIV tests in 2004 and 290,545 HIV tests in 2005 with a large percentage among at-risk minorities. These tests are performed during community street outreach, jail screenings, at county health departments and health fairs. The continued promotion of HIV counseling and testing in the communities of color, including the use of OraSure and rapid testing, has increased the proportion of at-risk blacks and Latinos that are aware of their HIV serostatus.

Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act (TOPWA): As part of a legislative requirement, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS has funded seven community-based organizations to identify high-risk minority pregnant women through outreach and link them with prenatal care and other services. TOPWA providers also offer pregnancy and HIV testing and provide education about the benefits of prenatal care and the use of AZT to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to infants.

Advancing HIV Prevention and Closing the Gap Contracts: Over 95% of the bureau’s Advancing HIV Prevention contracts are targeting racial ethnic minorities. The bureau currently has 28 contracts, 12 of them are with minority CBOs. The contracts provide funding for community-based organizations to conduct prevention programs for HIV infected persons, prevention for high-risk negative persons and HIV counseling, testing and linkage projects.

Faith-Based Initiatives: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS has contracted with two churches to help educate and mobilize pastors and churches in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Florida’s black communities.

Black and Latino Leaders Advisory Groups: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS established a Black and Latino Leaders Advisory Group in an effort to address HIV/AIDS issues in Florida’s Black and Latino communities. The advisory group consists of Black and Latino community leaders that were nominated by their community and department staff from around the state. The role of the group is to serve as a voice for the Black and Latino community and to make recommendations to the bureau on the HIV/AIDS issues affecting Florida’s Black and Latino communities.
Statewide Latino AIDS Coordinator: In an effort to further address HIV/AIDS disparities among Florida’s Latinos and at the request of the Latino Leaders Advisory Committee, the bureau designated a Statewide Latino AIDS Coordinator to help reduce HIV/AIDS among Latinos. The position is located at the Miami-Dade County Health Department and reports to the Statewide Minority AIDS Coordinator located in Tallahassee. This position will be responsible for planning and coordinating HIV/AIDS activities in Florida’s Latino communities.
Statewide Black Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) AIDS Coordinator: In an effort to further address HIV/AIDS disparities among Florida’s Black men who have sex with men and at the request of the Black Leaders Advisory Committee, the bureau designated a Statewide Black MSM Coordinator to help reduce HIV/AIDS among Black MSM. The position is located at the Palm Beach County Health Department and reports to the Statewide Minority AIDS Coordinator located in Tallahassee. This position will be responsible for planning and coordinating HIV/AIDS activities in Florida’s Black MSM communities.

Men who have sex with men Media Campaign: In collaboration with the Black and Latino MSM groups, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS has created MSM media campaign that consists of four components. The components of the MSM media campaign are: Internet Banners and Leader board on gay websites; Gay event sponsorship; Interior Bus Transit ads; and ads in Gay publications.

25 Myths / 25 Realities (25 Mitos/ 25 Realidades): The Hispanic AIDS Awareness Program (HAAP), Miami-Dade County Health Department and the acclaimed TV/Theater producer Miguel Ferro were the producers of 25 Myths / 25 Realities (25 Mitos/ 25 Realidades): An HIV/AIDS Latino Public Service Awareness (PSA) Campaign. This campaign has secured the support of 27 Latino celebrities who through their image and voices recorded 25 public service announcements that address the truth about HIV/AIDS myths. The 25 televisions and print public service announcements are now available at HAAP web site, www.HispanicAIDS.org.

Palabras Sabias
“Palabras Sabias” (words of wisdom) is a Latino HIV/AIDS social marketing campaign designed to increase HIV/AIDS awareness. Commonly-used Spanish phrases are combined with HIV prevention messages. The campaign uses posters and vintage cards to promote HIV prevention, testing, and linkage to care. They are intended to be used in prevention educational efforts at community events and outdoor print media. The posters are intended to reach heterosexual Latinos and Latinas, while the vintage card series targets Latino Gay Men.

Damaries" and "MSM Latino
"Damaries" and "MSM Latino" are two public service announcements targeted towards Latinas and Latino MSM at highest risk for HIV infection. The MSM Latino PSA targets gay-identified men and non-gay identified men who have sex with other men. The PSAs will air in radio/TV media and coordinated/organized settings (e.g. physicians’ waiting rooms, health fairs, community events, video bars, etc.).

Postivo Soy
"Postivo Soy" (I am Positive) is a half-hour video about four Latino men living with AIDS. The four men discuss issues related to HIV disclosure, medication adherence, and HIV prevention. The video, in Spanish with English subtitles, is a tool to be used in prevention interventions targeting HIV-positive individuals, addressing HIV/AIDS related stigma and medication adherence. The video was released in late July in Broward County.

Quien No Te Protege, no Te Merece
“Quien No Te Protege, no Te Merece" is a supplemental video to be used as part of the VOICES/VOCES intervention targeting Latinos. VOICES/VOCES is one of the behavioral interventions currently included within CDC’s compendium of effective behavioral interventions. Produced by the Miami-Dade County Health Department, Office of HIV/AIDS, the video is intended to be used with Latino gay men and includes a diverse cast of characters.

Amigas
"Amigas" is a study designed to adapt an HIV prevention intervention found to be effective for African American women. The study is now entering its pilot phase and is currently recruiting Latinas into the study. This effort is spearheaded by the Miami-Dade County Health Department, Office of HIV/AIDS, in collaboration with researchers Ralph DiClemente and Gina Wingood. Upon the completion of the study phase, the intervention will be considered for inclusion in CDC’s compendium of effective behavioral interventions.

Finding Our Voices: Mobilizing Black Gay Men
Finding Our Voices: Mobilizing Black Gay Men DVD is a community mobilization initiative to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS among black gay men. The purpose of DVD is to raise awareness and to mobilize black gay men to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in their communities. The goals are to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis among black gay men, to promote greater understanding about issues surrounding HIV/AIDS that affect black gay men. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS encourages individuals, providers, and communities to promote strategies for effective interventions to reduce new infections and encourage black gay men to get tested for HIV.

Past Activities

The Minority HIV/AIDS Task Force: The Minority HIV/AIDS Task Force was created by House Bill 2125 during the 1999 Legislative Session. Appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health, the members of the Task Force were commissioned to develop specific recommendations for consideration by the Governor, the Legislature and the department. These recommendations are primarily to address ways to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention, early intervention and treatment efforts in the state’s black, Hispanic and other minority communities.

Faith Leadership Summit on HIV/AIDS: The Faith Leadership Summit on HIV/AIDS included some of Florida’s top religious leaders from some of the major denominations of the Black Church. In addition, Florida State Senator, Anthony Hill was in attendance. The summit was held to educate, empower, and mobilize Florida’s top religious leaders so that they could encourage churches under their leadership to get involved in HIV/AIDS. The religious leaders that attended the meeting represented over 5,000 African American churches in the state. At the end of the meeting, there was a consensus by the participants that they will encourage their congregations to get involved in HIV/AIDS.

Latinos and HIV/AIDS in Florida: Call to Action in the Middle of the Decade. The Next Five Years!: In October 2005, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS released the call to action document that is intended to supplement and support activities conducted by county health departments and community based organizations in Florida as they develop Latino HIV/AIDS specific activities and initiatives. It also serves to educate state, local and federal partners, community leaders, businesses, members of the media and legislators on HIV/AIDS issues impacting Florida’s Latino community.

Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: The Department of Health’s “Closing the Gap” program provided another source of funding for education, intervention and prevention services. The “Closing the Gap” program is the result of the Patient Protection Act (HB 2339), which Governor Jeb Bush signed into law on June 8, 2000. This Act created an initiative that works to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in Florida. HIV/AIDS was one of the seven health areas identified in which racial and ethnic groups currently experience serious disparities. “Closing the Gap” provides grants to county health departments and community-based organizations with the intent of increasing community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities. These grants help stimulate the development of community and neighborhood strategies that emphasize broad-based participation and the support of both public and private entities. .

Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network Capacity Building Efforts: In an effort to address capacity building for minority emerging and existing organizations, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS established the Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network. The overall mission of the Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network is to develop a formal linkage between minority community-based organizations to provide advocacy, recommended strategies, and resources that will build the organization’s capacity to provide quality services. Specifically, the Network provides peer-based support and mentoring, the exchange of information and ideas between Network Liaisons and minority CBOs as well as expert technical assistance coordinated by the Bureau of HIV/AIDS.

Community Mobilization Meetings: In order to heighten awareness about HIV/AIDS in Florida’s communities of color, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS sponsored a series of community mobilization meetings. The purpose of community mobilization meetings is to explore, with the community, the reasons for disparities in HIV/AIDS within their own communities and provide a forum for dialogue, which allows for the assessment and development of solutions by community members. The objectives of the meetings are to enhance the involvement of grassroots/emerging organizations in their communities, to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS-focused activities and organizations, and to support activities of the Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network at the local level.

The Black MSM Consultation: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS and Aplomb Consulting hosted the Black Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Consultation in Tallahassee. The Black MSM Consultation was composed of a small group of African American men from across the state. The purpose of the consultation was to develop an action plan that will increase the ability of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS to reduce HIV transmission and to increase health outcomes for men who have sex with men. The bureau agreed to explore the recommendations that were suggested by the group.

Black Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS: The Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS conducted two Florida Black Leadership Conferences on HIV/AIDS. These conferences brought together community leaders; representatives of faith communities and community-based organizations; business leaders; people living with HIV or AIDS; political leaders; and other partners in the black community. These conferences provided a range of opportunities for black leaders to intensify the fight against this devastating disease in the communities where they work and serve. The conferences achieved their objective of developing innovative ways to reinforce the black community’s primary and secondary HIV prevention efforts through educational plenary sessions and interactive workshops. The diversity of the participants and unique structure of the conferences provided opportunities for the Department of Health to compile recommendations to help guide future HIV/AIDS programs and policies.

Hispanic Summit on HIV/AIDS: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS sponsored a Hispanic Summit on HIV/AIDS. During the first Hispanic Summit on HIV/AIDS, 70 Hispanic HIV/AIDS experts, activists, People Living with HIV/AIDS, health department representatives and concerned citizens gathered to delve into the issues that concern Florida’s Hispanic and Spanish-speaking communities. The purpose of bringing together these leaders was to foster an environment for open dialogue and discussion on the impact of HIV/AIDS, and formulate possible strategies to reduce HIV/AIDS incidence and promote the general community’s awareness and involvement. The day’s events were structured in such a way that all participants, regardless of their level of knowledge, could begin with a basic understanding of how the epidemic is affecting the Hispanic community in Florida.

The Florida Classic: The Orange County Health Department AIDS Program, STD Program and the Bureau of HIV/AIDS coordinate with several local community-based organizations to conduct HIV/AIDS awareness activities for the Florida Classic Weekend in Orlando. The Florida Classic is the annual football game between Florida A & M University and Bethune Cookman College. This event is labeled as the largest black event in the country. Staff from the Department of Health and staff from community-based organizations distributed thousands of condoms, educational materials and promotional items at several major events during the weekend.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Satellite Teleconference: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS sponsored a 90 minute teleconference entitled “Making the Change: Mobilizing Florida’s Black Communities in the Fight for Our Lives.” The telecast was planned in recognition of the second annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The telecast was based on the bureau’s ten community mobilizations meetings that were held throughout the state. The purpose of the community mobilizations meetings was to explore, with the community, the reasons for disparities in HIV/AIDS within their own communities. Through the dialogues, community members were able to use the structured dialog and questions to talk about the community response to HIV/AIDS. The teleconference discussed lessons learned and next steps in continuing these structured dialogs.

Best Practice Satellite Teleconference: ChangeMakers: “Working to Alleviate HIV/AIDS Suffering in Florida.” The purpose of the teleconference was to showcase programs that are effectively addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Florida's black communities; to engage a diverse group of policy makers, providers, consumers and community members in a forum about what works; and to provide county health departments and their community members an overview of effective programs that can be replicated to alleviate HIV/AIDS suffering in the state.

Ujima Men’s Collective: In order to address the black men who have sex with men (MSM’s) population in Florida, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS funded Ujima Men’s Collective. The mission of the Ujima Men’s Collective is to create a network of black MSM from around the state of Florida to address issues that are germane to black MSM in various populations. The primary focus of the Ujima Men’s Collective is to build the capacity of black MSM to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Cultural Competence Training: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS has sponsored ongoing cultural competence trainings to help increase the skills and knowledge necessary for staff to work with culturally diverse individuals and communities.

Cultural Competence Satellite Teleconference: The Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network, an initiative of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS, hosted a live satellite telecast entitled “Cultural Competency: Improving Multi-Cultural Competencies Among Health Service Providers.” The purpose of the satellite telecast was to enhance formal linkage among community-based organizations by increasing their capacity to communicate, and work effectively across cultural barriers. The telecast engaged liaisons and community members in a dialogue about cultural practices so that they can better understand challenges that they may encounter while interacting with others whose values, beliefs and backgrounds differ from their own.

Church as a Change Agent Seminar: This is an initiative to invite black clergies to become partners with the department for HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives.

Concept Paper: In previous years, the bureau introduced and utilized a concept paper process for community-based organizations to apply for funding. This process made applying for funding easier and more readily available to many emerging minority organizations.

Florida’s Multi-Cultural Conference on HIV/AIDS: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS hosted Florida’s Multi-Cultural Conference on HIV/AIDS in Orlando in January 2004. The conference provided strategies to address HIV/AIDS in Florida’s racial/ethnic communities. The conference was well attended with more than 600 participants from many racial/ethnic backgrounds. The conference featured six educational tracks and thirty-three workshops. There were many highlights including an inspiring opening plenary presentation by Reverend Edwin Sanders, a press conference by Dr. Agwunobi and a terrific town hall meeting to answer questions about CDC’s Advancing HIV Prevention Initiative that closed the conference.

HIV Cases Among Blacks: On June 17, 2005, the Florida Department of Health held a press conference to announce a decrease in HIV cases among blacks. Secretary John Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., announced a 30 percent decrease over the past six years of HIV cases among blacks in Florida. HIV cases in Florida have dropped 24 percent among black men and 36 percent among black women. Unfortunately, Florida experienced a 36 percent increase in HIV cases among Hispanic men.

Faith Leadership Summit on HIV/AIDS: Shady Grove #1 Primitive Baptist Church, sponsored by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS held a “Faith Leadership Summit on HIV/AIDS.” The Faith Leadership Summit on HIV/AIDS included some of Florida’s top religious leaders from some of the major denominations of the Black Church. In addition, Florida State Senator, Anthony Hill was in attendance. The summit was held to educate, empower, and mobilize Florida’s top religious leaders so that they could encourage churches under their leadership to get involved in HIV/AIDS. The religious leaders that attended the meeting represented over 5,000 African American churches in the state. At the end of the meeting, there was a consensus by the participants that they will encourage their congregations to get involved in HIV/AIDS.

Racial/Ethnic HIV/AIDS Stigma Training: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS held trainings entitled “Racial/Ethnic HIV/AIDS Disparities and Stigma: The Data and the Dilemma.” The training was designed for HIV/AIDS staff that present HIV/AIDS epidemiologic data to the public. The training for Department of Health, HIV/AIDS employees prepared them to present racial/ethnic HIV/AIDS data in a way that does not cause stigma, shame and blame.

Native American Training: On June 22, 2005, the bureau scheduled a training for senior management staff and HIV/AIDS program coordinators to increase cultural awareness of historical events that shape and continue to shape relations between tribal/non-tribal organizations, and increase awareness of culturally appropriate approaches when engaging with tribal/non-tribal organizations.

Racial Ethnic Data Project (RED Project): In order to examine strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination and increase access to care, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS invited Florida A & M University Masters in Public Health students to perform a critical review of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS data. The Florida A & M University Masters in Public Health students assisted the bureau with interpreting and translating epidemiological data in layman’s term and in a language that is culturally specific, relevant and written at an appropriate reading level. The students analyzed the data and made suggestions on making HIV/AIDS data easier to understand and ways to combat stigmatizing interpretations of epidemiological data.

Haitian Creole CD: The Bureau of HIV/AIDS with the support of Dr. Marie François produced a Haitian-Creole CD Rom entitled: “What Every Haitian in Florida Should Know About HIV/AIDS.” The CD Rom is a conversation between a doctor and a radio interviewer about how the virus is transmitted, prevention practices, and how to get tested.

Latino Perspectives & Policy Recommendations Document: Upon receipt of the Latino Perspectives & Policy Recommendations, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS made 100 copies and mailed them to all 67 county health directors and all of the HIV/AIDS program coordinators around the state. The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors were invited to Florida to present the Latino Perspectives & Policy Recommendations documents during a state conference. In addition, Mr. Liberti and Mr. Henderson instructed area managers and senior management staff to follow the recommendations outlined in the document.

“HIV/AIDS: African American Perspectives and Recommendations for State and Local AIDS Directors and Health Departments.”: Upon receipt of the African American Monograph, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS made 100 copies and mailed them to all 67 county health directors and all of the HIV/AIDS program coordinators around the state. The monograph is a tool to help state and local AIDS directors respond to the national HIV/AIDS crisis in African American communities. It seeks to raise awareness of the importance of race in program and policy development and the role of racism, as well as other historical factors, in health disparities among African Americans infected and affected by HIV.

The Peer Education Program: The Peer Education Program began as a pilot (1998-99) in Broward and Dade Counties. The Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS, based on the success of the pilot, decided to support a statewide program. The goal of the program is to increase consortia membership through an understanding of the process and to alleviate the tension and confusion that often accompany a new experience. The program is also expected to enhance consumer and minority participation in their local consortia.