Members Present: Chris Benfer (Chair), Rita Castro, Sam Guerrero, Janet Cates, Eric Todd, Sissy Riffin

BVCOG Staff Present: Crystal Crowell and Christopher Hamilton

DSHS Staff Present: Laura Moch, Brenda Howell

It was noted that providers on the list are not going to know whether someone is HIV positive, they should be able to provide service to anyone.

The committee then discussed the potential overlap between the list of all available providers and the 211 project by United Way. The survey that was developed by the committee asks more in depth questions, many specifically relating to care of those with HIV/AIDS.

The committee debated the pros and cons of developing its own list versus using the 211 lists from United Way. The committee came to consensus that developing its own list is a duplication of effort. It was then asked if the survey could be sent just to HIV service providers.

The question was raised as to what the list will be used for. The needs assessment process will use the list in helping to identify unmet need, and allocations will use this information to determine what resources are available to PLWHA.

There was a discussion of whether to call providers and survey them, mail the survey, mail and follow up with a phone call, or visit providers in person. The committee decided that the method would be on a case by case basis. Committee members from each of their respective HSDAs will look at their portion of the provider list to determine who should be surveyed.

The committee next discussed the state of the needs assessment. The needs assessment for the Central Texas HIV Planning Council was conducted three years ago, and it is time for a new assessment.

Representatives from DSHS as well as some committee members noted that to do the needs assessment, the only tool that was allowable was the survey from SCSN. It was also noted that optional questions could be added in from a question bank, also part of the SCSN.

Discussion of the survey and past experience with it ensued. It was recommended that the committee be provided with a copy of the survey as well as training in facilitation. Several noted it is available on the SCSN web site, www.txscsn.org.

The number of people to survey is a decision of the committee/council. DSHS noted that the more people surveyed, the more accurate the assessment would be. The only requirement thus far is from DSHS to use the SCSN tool. It was requested by some committee members to have the policies of DSHS and/or HRSA relating to conducting the needs assessment, specifically the requirement to use the SCSN tool.

One committee member suggested that the committee should develop a document of roles and responsibilities for itself.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.