HIV Prevention Group

To Meet In Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT — The Connecticut HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (CPG) will hold its April meeting on Wednesday, April 21, at United Congregation Church, 877 Park Avenue, from 9 am to 2 pm. The CPG is a community-based group of Connecticut residents working with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to develop a comprehensive HIV prevention plan for the state.

According to the DPH HIV/AIDS surveillance data through December 31, 2003, Fairfield County accounts for 22 percent of the total number of AIDS cases reported in the year 2003, the third highest percentage of any county in the state. Bridgeport reported the highest number of AIDS cases of any town in Fairfield County, accounting for 40 percent of the total number of AIDS cases in Fairfield County for the year 2003.

The major agenda item on April 21 is a presentation of Priority Setting Ad-hoc Committee Chair Leif Mitchell on the results of the CPG’s priority setting process. The April meeting will also focus on the work of the CPG’s three standing committees. Since most of the CPG’s work is done at the committee level, the public is encouraged to participate in committee meetings.

HIV prevention and care service providers and members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting and will have the opportunity to participate in the process and ask questions during the public comment period at 9:10 am. The CPG is seeking new members and advisors and nomination forms will be available at the meeting.

The public can access information on community planning in Connecticut on the CPG’s website at www.connhivcpg. The website features CPG-related material and links to numerous local and national resources for HIV prevention including the DPH website. DPH also has a community planning related website that can be accessed at www.dph.state.ct.us/BCH/AIDS/cpg/cpg­home.htm.

Anyone who cannot attend the meeting, but would like a CPG membership nomination form, a copy of the plan or more information about the CPG, call toll-fee 877-570-1118 or email cpg@pariskygroup.com.