Since 2014, community-led Ending the Epidemic (EtE) initiatives have advanced across the nation, setting ambitious targets to reduce HIV incidence below epidemic levels in states, counties, and cities in the US. Aligning the priorities of state and city health departments with the priorities of the communities they serve is an essential part of the EtE process. In order to achieve this, jurisdictions must find ways to level the playing field between community and public health leaders; developing common language and establishing mechanisms for meaningful and productive dialog every step of the way. Many times, this means being cognizant of power dynamics and ensuring that community is involved in a formalized leadership capacity.
This webinar will focus on some of the best practices EtE leaders have identified in constructing mutually beneficial, equitable partnerships between community members, community based organizations, and health departments. We’ll also look at some of the common pitfalls and ways to avoid undercutting community leadership or duplicating work for health department officials.