New York, NY (June 3, 2024)—The CDC has awarded CAI funding to engage community members at four sites throughout the country in reducing the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and marginalized groups.
Utilizing an authentic community engagement approach, over the next five years, CAI will work with community-based organizations in Houston, Dallas, Baton Rouge, and Puerto Rico to identify emerging public health issues related to STIs. This information will be shared with both the jurisdictions’ health departments and the leaders of national health organizations.
The STOP STDs project activities will include engaging a community advisory board to provide insights into local cultural norms and sensitivities regarding STI prevention and treatment; helping local organizations develop and analyze a needs assessment; and working with health departments to implement response interventions.
As a result of these efforts, local health departments will have heard the voices and needs of people living in their community and be better equipped to meet community members’ needs. In addition, the local findings will be shared with public health organizations throughout the country, so that national organizations will be alerted and better prepared to respond to emerging health needs.
“We’re excited to contribute our expertise in community engagement and training to the important work of ensuring that the voices of community members—especially those in underserved areas—are heard and contribute to identifying and addressing the emerging public health problems that affect them now or may in the future,” said Maisha Drayton, CAI Vice President of Community Engagement.