November 5, 2001

Public Comment Period on Regional Service Priorities

BINGHAMTON, NY -The HIV Care Network membership approved regional service priorities for persons living with HIV and AIDS at its Quarterly meeting held on September 27. Voting resulted in identifying the top four service categories based on unmet needs, service gaps, feasibility and priority areas to be addressed for service needs for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Service priorities include 1) increasing access to dental care, 2) improving health education/risk reduction education targeted to specific groups, 3) enhancing quality of case management services and educating consumers regarding types of services available, and 4) increasing nutrition services and related nutritional counseling.

These priorities resulted from a lengthy process which began about one year ago, and included surveys, focus groups, discussions with Network committees, and an extensive discussion and ranking process by the Steering Committee and key community leaders. A 30-day public comment period on the regional service priorities is being initiated effective November 5, 2001. Comments received will be incorporated into a final document after review by the Steering Committee and will be submitted to the New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute. An action plan will then be developed and incorporated into a Regional Service Delivery Plan for the community to use as a planning tool for improving service delivery for persons living with HIV and AIDS in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties.

To submit comments or to review the complete draft of the Regional Service Priorities, please contact the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.3066, or fax comments to 607.778.2838, attention Nancy McGraw. All comments must be received by December 5, 2001 to be included for consideration.

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