What are the goals of the program?
Our goals are to reduce the spread of HIV and other STDs among African-American women and to make education and information accessible to all members of the African-American population.
According to the State of the County Report, Durham County rates of death from HIV infection are higher than North Carolina state rates overall. In 2000, Durham County's HIV-related death rate was 13.8%, while the state's rate was 5.7%. PASTD wants to provide a forum in which African-Americans feel comfortable addressing questions and issues dealing with HIV/AIDS in order to decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases within Durham County and Wake County.
What are the specific program objectives?
By June 2008, the following objectives will have been reached:
- PASTD will provide educational information to 2,000 women and teens through activities led by information specialists and brochure distributions, as measured by receipts of purchase order of brochures, list of events/settings where brochures were distributed, and photos of distribution.
- 40 African-American communities will receive educational information on HIV/STD reduction as a result of mobile van visits, measured by photo recaps and documented permits.
- PASTD will refer 500 community residents to HIV/STD test sites through outreach, interaction, and testing incentives, as measured by documented tracking of referrals to partnering organizations.
- PASTD will build relationships with 10 African-American churches to educate African-American women and youth by conducting educational forums and presentations on a weekly basis, measured by documented memorandums.
Who are the staff members who will carry out the program?
The Executive Director of PASTD, the Program Coordinator, and two Information Specialists share the responsibilities of operating PASTD.
- The Executive Director hires/recruits staff, writes grants, builds partnerships, and ensures that necessary reports and documentation are submitted to the funding foundations according to specified guidelines.
- The Program Coordinator oversees the implementation of day-to-day activities, ensures that staff members follow protocol in all client and office activities, coordinates services with other agencies, staff, and support personnel, and develops materials.
- The Information Specialists are undergraduate/graduate student volunteers seeking course credit for majors within the human services field. They will be responsible for operating the mobile van, distributing educational materials at various locations within Durham County and Wake County, and maintaining a high level of enthusiasm while educating the community on HIV/STD prevention.
