Emerging Roles for Persons Affected by HIV in Health Care Program Planning and Administration

Abstract

Involving HIV-affected consumers in meaningful advisory roles in a health care program, research planning and administration now receives increased attention from funders and program developers. Establishing an advisory board is one common method for obtaining consumer input. While program managers may view an advisory board as cumbersome, benefits can be derived by programs and consumers. The experience of creating an advisory board, staffed by social workers, for a federally funded HIV mental health program in the south Bronx, provides lessons for social workers, program developers and administrators regarding issues such as recruiting an unbiased panel, accommodating non-English speakers, management support of the board, and the coordination of several boards mandated by funders.