Being Alive; April 1997
Dana Gorbea-Leon

The Commission on HIV Health Services is in the middle of its priority-setting process for 1998. This is the means by which the Commission decides how Ryan White CARE Act funds should be spent during the upcoming year. The process began early this year with a series of focus groups aimed at identifying the needs of people living with hiv/aids across the County, especially in light of the changes people are experiencing with the increased use of new drug therapies. In all, fourteen groups with approximately 8 participants each were convened. Ten of the focus groups reflected the geographic diversity of Los Angeles County and four the special needs of specific populations.

Because of the size of Los Angeles County and the complexity of issues people with hiv/aids have to deal with, the fourteen focus groups have been followed by almost 50 public forums. The public forums were held throughout the County and dealt with problems faced by specific populations (such as women, gay and bisexual men, adolescents, the homeless), problems within specific geographic regions, problems and concerns with the services that are currently being provided, and/or recommendations for services that are needed but not being provided to people with hiv/aids.

At the same time, a survey of community need is being sent to every community-based organization whose services are paid for by CARE Act funds. The survey is aimed at people who were not able to participate in the public forums or the focus groups.

Finally, the Commission has scheduled meetings in April, May and June to discuss and set priorities for how CARE Act funds will be spent in 1998. Time for public testimony will be set aside and the community is encouraged to voice its concerns about both how money will be spent and the process by which the Commission arrived at its list of priorities.

These are all excellent opportunities for people living with hiv/aids and/or affected by this disease to voice their opinions on the health care and support systems put together to serve them. For additional information, call Commission staff at 213.351.8045 or call the Commission's 24-hour recorded InfoLine at 213.351.8088. This message is updated weekly with information on the subject matter, dates, times, and locations of all the Commission meetings held during a particular week. Come join us and express your thoughts and ideas!

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