1. HIV Advocacy and Activism: Developing Health Equity
Denver’s nationally- accredited public health department

2. Program Administrator
Introductions
Jean Finn
Anthony Stamper
Robert Riester
Program Administrator
Denver HIV Resources Planning Council, Community Health Division, Denver Department of Environmental Health
Administrator of the Denver HIV Resources Planning Council, directs and supports the activities of the DHRPC
Public Health Manager
Denver Office of HIV Resources,
Community Health Division, Denver Department of Environmental Health
Manages all operations of the Ryan White Part A Program in the Denver Metro Area
DHRPC Member
Denver HIV Resources Planning Council (DHRPC)
HIV/AIDS Activist and Advocate, both locally and nationally and the Gay Men Services Program Coordinator at Mile High Behavioral Health Care

3. Learning Objectives
Utilizing advocates and activists in policy development
Develop strategies to engage advocates and/or activists, and
Make clear the benefits of engaging advocates/activists in policy development to decision makers

4. The Denver Principles
A clear line can be drawn between how all of us participate in our own health care decisions and The Denver Principle
The next time your doctor consults you about a change of medications or whether a diagnostic test may be required, you can thank The Denver Principles.
A list of profound basic rights were outlined during the dawn of the AIDS epidemic that continue to have an impact on us today.

5. Denver HIV Resources Planning Council
Appointed by the Mayor of Denver to represent the Denver Metro Area
More than 40% of the 36 members are People with HIV (PWHIV)
Conducts a Needs Assessment of HIV-related services needed by PWHIV in the Denver Metro Area
Sets priorities for the most needed services and determines how much Ryan White Part A funds should be allocated to each prioritized services
Develops a plan to provide these services via the Colorado HIV/AIDS Strategy

6. PWHIV role in Ryan White Part A Services Prioritization
Identify HIV care and treatment needs;
Identify existing HIV resources;
Identify barriers and gaps to care & treatment; and
Identify Ryan White Part A Service Categories to meet PWHIV care & treatment needs.

7. PWHIV role in Ryan White Part A Services Allocation
Community Input Meetings with PWHIV to gather their perspective;
PWHIV on DHRPC advocate for the needs of PWHIV and present results of Community Input Meetings;
PWHIV on DHRPC actively participate in the allocation of funds to prioritized service categories via their perspective/experience; and
PWHIV on DHRPC have a significant role in adjusting funding allocations throughout fiscal year.

8. PWHIV Role in Developing the Colorado HIV/AIDS Strategy (COHAS)
At-risk groups and PWHIV were included in decisions that impact them in developing the strategy;
CDPHE, DOHR, DHRPC and Alliance agreed upon a process for plan development with multiple “on ramps’ for PWHIV, community members, Alliance members, CDPHE staff, DHRPC members, and DOHR staff;
CDPHE staff drafted individual chapters which were posted on Google docs and distributed via and handouts at meetings. Chapter edits between meetings were accepted, as well; and
Meetings to review and revise the chapters were held twice per month: once during the day in conjunction with Alliance meetings from 1 to 4 p.m. and in the evening hosted by DHRPC from 5 to 8 p.m.

9. Engaging Advocates/Activists
Educate Advocates/Activists on process, expectations, etc.;
Respond to Advocates/Activists questions, concerns, etc. quickly and genuinely;
Respect and address negative comments with a human face—don’t be dismissive; and
Don’t hide behind other entities, rules, regulations, etc.

10. Clarify Benefits of Engaging Advocates/Activists
Higher quality decision-making; and increased efficiency in and effectiveness of service delivery;
Improved processes for systems building and policy development that take into account multiple perspectives, knowledge, and experience;
Greater sensitivity to policy and delivery design that meet community needs and assure achievement of objectives; and
Increased accountability for investment of public resources.

11. Contact Info
Questions
Jean Finn
Anthony Stamper
Robert Riester