Let your voice be heard!
There are many opportunities for community members to get involved with different groups throughout Virginia. Whether you are wanting to have your voice heard or looking for a group of peers, this page may have helpful information.
Read more about the various community groups that meet to provide feedback to VDH below. If you are looking for a public hearing date or interested in forming a new group, contact Janaye Oliver, Policy and Planning Specialist, at janaye.oliver@vdh.virginia.gov.
Virginia Community HIV Planning Group
The Virginia Community HIV Planning Group (CHPG) is made of persons who are of the community and serve the community. They work to develop a broad HIV prevention and care plan for Virginia. HIV planning is an important process in which service providers’ work with the community and key stakeholders to enhance access to HIV services for the highest affected populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandates the process for all states receiving federal prevention funding.
The Virginia planning group formed in 1994 in compliance with requirements from CDC. Since 1994, there have been many changes in approaches to HIV, brought about by medical advances in the treatment of and testing for HIV.
GoalsThe goals of community HIV planning align with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which are:
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- Reduce new HIV infections in Virginia
- Increase access to care and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV; and
- Reduce HIV-related health disparities.
To meet these goals, the CHPG identifies new members for the planning process. Once the planning body is complete, the engagement process begins. Finally, the CHPG develops, implements, and monitors a jurisdictional HIV plan. This plan is a five-year planning document that is updated annually. Updates address the emerging and changing needs of the community.
The CHPG, as described in its bylaws, must be made of no less than 25 members and no more than 35 members. A CHPG membership subcommittee selects new members from a pool of nominees. Ideal candidates represent the epidemic in Virginia. State agency representation is also included on the CHPG.
To contact the CHPG , please contact Felencia McGee, health department co-chair at felencia.mcgee@vdh.virginia.gov.
Persons seeking membership on the group must complete a confidential application form. The application process is ongoing and there is no deadline for submission. Applications are kept on file for two years and are considered as vacancies arise or membership terms end.
Members are asked to make a two year commitment to the group. The full group meets 6 to 8 times per year. Meetings occur in Richmond and are daylong. Subcommittee meetings occur periodically in a variety of locations. Members must be active participants. Attendance requirements are strict and members who fail to attend on a regular basis will lose their membership. Members are reimbursed for travel expenses, meals, and lodging.
Individuals interested in membership may apply online. A paper copy of the application will be available soon. For questions about the application process please contact Ashley Yocum, HIV Care Services Planner, at ashley.yocum@vdh.virginia.gov, or Janaye Oliver, Policy and Planning Specialist, at janaye.oliver@vdh.virginia.gov.
Community Advancement Project
The Community Advancement Project (CAP) is a community mobilization initiative to engage gay and bisexual men and transgender persons of color in Virginia.
Mission
The mission of the CAP is to unite and empower communities of gay, bisexual men, and transgender persons of color to improve overall health, reduce HIV and STIs, build self-worth, and triumph over stigma.
Vision
The vision of the CAP is a world in which gay and bisexual men as well as transgender persons can reclaim their potential while inspiring, supporting, and respecting each other. Membership is open to all gay and bisexual men as well as transgender person, LGBTQ allies, and all those interested in bettering the health of gay and bisexual men of color in Virginia.
Objectives
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- To meet the needs of young gay and bisexual men and trans communities, particularly those of color
- To promote community involvement
- To build community leadership
- To get input that would enable us to make adjustments along the way
- To ensure we didn’t make any drastic mistakes
- To access social networks
- To tailor efforts to different social networks
Individuals interested in attending or hosting a meeting please contact Aieshia Brooks, Program Administration Specialist, at aieshia.brooks@vdh.virginia.gov.
Sisters Promoting H.O.P.E.
Mission: To educate, support, and empower Black women in Virginia to protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; and address any other related issues that may affect their capacity to make healthy sexual decisions.
Previous conferences have included affirmations, sexual health information, performing artists, stress reduction exercises, health screenings, fellowship, and fun!
Learn more about how women of all races and ethnicities can get HIV. Womenshealth.gov has lots of reliable information and resources.
Virginia Hepatitis Coalition
Virginia has a newly-formed Hepatitis Coalition that advocates for persons affected by viral hepatitis.
Members are diverse and include:
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- representatives from community based organizations;
- representatives from national organizations;
- health care providers;
- clinical support staff;
- drug user health;
- pharmaceutical industry;
- VDH staff; and
- other government agency staff.
Anyone working in, or interested in, viral hepatitis issues is welcome to join the calls. If anyone interested is not able to participate in the Coalition, but would like to participate in the Hepatitis Elimination Planning workgroup. Visit https://vahep.org/ or contact vhc-organizing-committee@googlegroups.com for more information.
Virginia Meetings/Public Halls
Virginia posts a list of their public hearings, meetings, and committee meetings. You can access this list on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website.
The Virginia CHPG posts all of their meetings on this site.
If you are interested in other meetings in Virginia, click on the meeting title to see details on if the entirety of the meeting is open to the public, if public comments are accepted, etc. Contact information for organizers of meetings are available and agendas are provided when available for each meeting.