Learning Objective #1: Describe the components of a community partnership model

Learning Objective #2: Identify specific leadership characteristics that nurses can use to foster community partnerships

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Problem: In April 2003, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) launched a new initiative: Advancing HIV Prevention: New Strategies for a Changing Epidemic. The goal is to place greater emphasis on prevention services for persons with HIV. While the CDC provides broad objectives for this initiative, development of prevention programs is the responsibility of each state. Methods: The state of Georgia adopted a Partnership Model as a strategy for developing its Prevention for Positives initiative. This model builds on the strengths of state and local health departments, community based organizations, and academic researchers. The initial step in fostering this partnership was a community forum which was organized and conducted by the College of Health and Human Services of a local university. This forum brought together constitutes from across the state to discuss needs, concerns, barriers, and strategies associated with the new initiative. Outcomes: The academic partner recognized that it was vital to have stakeholders at the table that could foster consensus and provide direction for action. A key component in the success of the forum was the nursing faculty's leadership role and expertise in HIV and community health. Their health care knowledge and research/outcome measurement proficiency played a major role in facilitating/guiding the development of the partnership. The partnership laid the foundation for the successful completion of the state's HIV Community Services Assessment and Comprehensive Plan. Recommendations: Academic and community partnering is a successful strategy for addressing the paradigm shift in HIV prevention and nursing can play a major role. In developing HIV-related programs, academic-community partnerships are essential to insure that state and community planning efforts benefit from the academic expertise. In addition, nurses need to take a more active role in fostering community relationships that ultimately affect the health of the community.