Prevention Planning is a collaborative process through which health departments work with community members to design a state prevention plan that best represents the prevention needs of communities at risk for or already infected with HIV.
HIV prevention planning should be driven by scientific evidence and data as well as community values and insights.
To prevent the spread of HIV, strategies are needed that are appropriate and acceptable to diverse communities. Therefore, the South Dakota HIV Prevention Planning Group’s (PPG) process seeks the participation of every community affected by HIV: rural residents and urban residents, women at risk, people living with HIV, African Americans, Native Americans, injection drug users, people with disabilities, substance abusers and youth.
HIV Prevention Planning Group Information
As meetings are scheduled they will be posted below:
Friday, February 2, 2024 – 2:00-5:00 pm CT; Virtual
Friday, April 26, 2024 – 6:00-8:00 pm MT and Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 9:00 am-4:00 pm MT; Deadwood (tentative)
Friday, July 19, 2024 – 2:00-5:00 pm CT; Virtual
Friday, October 4, 2024 – 6:00-8:00 pm CT and Saturday, October 5, 2024 – 9:00 am-4:00 pm CT; Sioux Falls
The HIV Prevention Planning Group, also known as the PPG, meets regularly to discuss recent activities, assess needs and make recommendations that will ultimately form the state’s plan to prevent the transmission of HIV.
Representatives from populations infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS are valued members who provide the group with much-needed input from their communities.
Planning group members and participants include department staff, community service providers, staff from statewide community-based organizations, and other concerned citizens.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects HIV planning to improve HIV prevention programs by strengthening the 1) scientific basis, 2) community relevance, 3) key stakeholder involvement, 4) population- or risk-based focus of HIV prevention interventions and 5) communication and coordination of services across the continuum of HIV prevention, care, and treatment.
The PPG’s main task is to oversee the creation of an HIV Prevention Plan. Community-Based Organizations refer to the plan when grant-writing, assessing their communities, and designing programs. This makes the Prevention Plan the most significant influence PPG members have on HIV prevention activities in their state.
CDC implemented state HIV prevention planning in 1994 based on the belief that local decision-making is the best way to respond to local HIV prevention needs and priorities.
We need your voice! The time to end AIDS is now.
Applications for membership are taken at any time. We always need fresh faces! You can receive an application by contacting Sarah Zaiser at 605-367-7202.
You can learn more by calling the Dept. of Health at 605-367-7202.
Does it cost anything to join?
No, membership is completely free. In fact, we reimburse members' travel expenses to attend meetings.
Will I meet people who are HIV positive?
Possibly. Many individuals of varying health status participate in the meetings. Not everyone who participates in the meetings is infected with HIV. The health status of members is not usually discussed.
When and where are the meetings held?
The PPG meets about six times a year, at locations that rotate around the state. For the date and location of the next meeting, email the HIV/AIDS program.
Are meetings open to the public?
Yes, all meetings are open to the public. Members of the public are provided an opportunity to speak at every meeting.
Do I need to be an HIV expert?
No, people from all walks of life participate in PPG. We need members with passion and a willingness to fight for the health of South Dakota citizens.