Dissemination, implementation, and adaptation of evidence-based behavioral HIV prevention interventions through community engagement: The US centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) experience

Abstract

HIV remains a profound problem in the USA as well as in countries around the world. Although great strides have been made to reduce HIV exposure and transmission, there is still much to do. Prevention remains a primary strategy for reducing the incidence of HIV in the USA. Communities across the country need and want evidence-based approaches to meet the prevention needs of those at risk for HIV exposure and transmission. A major dissemination and implementation project supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has disseminated evidence-based prevention interventions into community-based prevention practice throughout the country. Health departments, community-based organizations, and medical settings that provide HIV-prevention services have access to evidence-based behavioral intervention curricula and technical support to implement these behavioral interventions. In this chapter, we review the history of this dissemination and implementation project and address specific issues around our use of innovative approaches to community engagement and collaboration.