February 4, 2004

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) is seeking nominations for people interested in serving as members of the Houston HIV Prevention Community Planning Group.

Members will assist the group in assessing current community HIV prevention activities and identifying effective prevention interventions. Every two years, the assessments result in the development of a comprehensive HIV prevention plan aimed at decreasing the incidence of HIV in Houston.

Houston residents may nominate themselves to the group, which includes representatives of governmental and non-governmental agencies and community-based organizations that provide HIV and AIDS services. Members may serve for up to two three-year terms.

Volunteers can also choose to participate in the group as non-voting, external committee members. Volunteer work as an external committee member provides the group additional representation from affected communities and generates a pool of potential voting members familiar with the community planning process.

The group presently needs to increase participation from adolescents and white gay men. Other membership categories include people associated with substance abuse prevention and treatment; gay, lesbian and transgender communities; HIV prevention programs; communities of color; spiritual and faith-based communities and social services agencies.

New members receive orientation and training to help them become familiar with the community planning process. Nomination forms, nominating guidelines and additional information are available by calling the Houston Department of Health and Human Services at 713-794-9092.