Community Planning Group

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandated in 1993 that state health departments seek input from communities infected with and affected by HIV when planning HIV prevention programs. In response, the Maryland AIDS Administration formed a statewide Community Planning Group at the beginning of 1994. Membership on the CPG is determined by appointment based on specific criteria designed to ensure that the composition of the CPG reflects the HIV epidemic in Maryland. CPG representation is sought from HIV-infected persons, members of affected communities, families affected by the virus, advocates of target populations, prevention workers at community based organizations and local health departments, and other professionals working with at-risk populations. In the current national climate, planning is very important. It is important that the federal HIV prevention resources in Maryland respond to the varying, specific needs for HIV prevention in the state.

Regions

The CPG seeks representation from among the five regions of Maryland:

Central MD - Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard Counties, & Baltimore City

Eastern MD - Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, & Worcester Counties

Southern MD - Calvert, Charles, & St. Mary's Counties

Suburban MD - Montgomery & Prince George's Counties

Western MD - Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, & Washington Counties

If you would like to become involved in the planning process, contact Angie Allen at (410) 767-5260 aallen@dhmh.state.md.us.