NASTAD assists states in using prevention resources in correctional settings to maximize efforts to prevent as many new infections as possible.  This is accomplished by addressing emerging issues, identifying and removing key programmatic barriers, and identifying and leveraging existing assets.  While the need to address infectious diseases in correctional settings is nothing new, it is becoming ever more critical for public health departments to work more closely with counterparts in corrections to curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic in those facilities. Also a component of the CDC cooperative agreement, NASTAD tracks the responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic within correctional settings among jurisdictions across the country.

NASTAD assists jurisdictions by sharing information from technical experts and other jurisdictions regarding effective prevention programs for injection drug users (IDU) and substance users, including needle exchange and syringe access. As a component of NASTAD’s CDC cooperative agreement, IDU and substance use issues are monitored and where appropriate, materials are produced and various forms of technical assistance are provided. Technical assistance in the future will include a series of fact sheets regarding IDU-associated HIV and viral hepatitis transmission.  Content will include model programs, effective interventions and co-morbidities.

Recognizing the heavy impact of HIV/AIDS on gay men and non-gay identifying men who have sex with men (MSM), NASTAD places strong emphasis on monitoring and responding to the epidemic among these populations. Of particular concern are the escalating infection rates among Black gay men and MSM. This concern led NASTAD to increase its emphasis on working with health departments to reduce infection rates among Black gay men and MSM.  NASTAD conducted a health department survey in 2006 to determine a variety of baseline information, with follow-up interviews conducted across a subset of states (California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, District of Columbia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco) in late 2006 and early 2007. These interviews were conducted with over 80 stakeholders, including AIDS directors, health department staff and community based organizations. A final report on these interviews will be published in early 2008 and NASTAD’s technical assistance activities regarding gay men and MSM, including Black gay men and MSM, will continue to reflect the priority based on the impact of the epidemic on these populations.  

NASTAD is committed to promoting program integration and collaboration and supporting health departments in their efforts to enhance the same ideals. Currently, NASTAD’s Domestic Program—including HIV Prevention, Communities of Color, Viral Hepatitis and HIV Care and Treatment—strives to identify and realize opportunities to share information, expertise and vision across program areas. Collectively, the teams within the Domestic Program provide integrated support for NASTAD’s diverse membership. Additionally, the Domestic Program works with the NASTAD Global Program to identify collaborative projects that align with each program’s specific activities. As appropriate, the programs share techniques and practices to advance the substantive work within each portfolio. Finally, the NASTAD Government Relations team works in tandem with both the Domestic and Global Programs to promote sensible and responsive HIV/AIDS policy that supports programmatic success. NASTAD believes strongly in the synergy that is created by cross-program interaction and will continue to enhance and expand its efforts to support program integration and collaboration within health departments whenever appropriate.

NASTAD has launched an initiative to provide follow-up technical assistance and capacity building to health departments participating in the Midwest regional forum entitled African American Women and HIV/AIDS: Confronting the Crisis and Planning for Action. This TA consists of compiling lessons learned and best practices to help guide health department efforts to implement effective prevention programs targeting African American women. NASTAD is also developing an issue brief that examines the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on African American women, due to be released in March 2008.