CFA Community Impact Assessment: Summary

At the request of The Center for AIDS Information & Advocacy (The CFA), the Office of Community Projects at the Graduate School of Social Work, University of Houston conducted a study to document the impact of The CFA during its first 10 years. Key informant interviews (n=19) and a community survey (n=268) were used to answer 3 research questions.

1. What Do Constituents Value About the CFA?

Across all constituent groups, The CFA is valued as the provider of current, reliable, and useful information. In addition to the quality of the information available, constituents value the way the information is delivered. Many value the efficiency of the Web-based publications and weekly e-mail newsletter. Constituents, particularly people living with HIV/AIDS, appreciated the respectful, empathic, and empowering way CFA staff deliver information in formal classes as well as individual consultations.

The CFA was seen as having 2 qualities that make it a valuable advocacy partner: understanding of the sciences of HIV pathology and treatment, as well as knowledge of the community.

Funders and the volunteer leadership appreciate 3 organizational characteristics: the unique focus, its structure as a learning organization that uses creativity and analytical thinking to improve services, and the organization's ability to balance quality and expanded services with efficiency.

2. How Has the CFA Influenced Treatment Decisions or Practice?

In the survey of 268 persons drawn from across Houston, 33% reported turning to The CFA for information when making treatment decisions. Of the 220 persons who indicated a single source of information as most helpful, 21% so identified The CFA. Forty-four percent of respondents had used CFA services and programs. Data from the key informant interviews suggest that The CFA's impact goes beyond supporting treatment decisions to empowering people through knowledge and thus enabling them to take control of their lives and to work in their communities to help others.

The impact of The CFA's advocacy on treatment access is less amenable to measurement. The results of advocacy are often incremental and attributable to a team effort. However, based on the key informant interviews, it is clear that The CFA is seen as a valued partner that brings the needs of the HIV affected community to the attention of researchers and other decision-makers through participation in advisory boards, work groups, and national conferences.

What Do Constituents Want/Need From the CFA?

Fourteen of the 19 key informants recommended that The CFA work to raise awareness of its services among those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as the general medical community. Populations of special concern were young people, the newly diagnosed, ethnic/racial minorities, and women.

Respondents encouraged The CFA to expand its advocacy efforts in 2 ways. First, respondents noted that given continued budget cuts in HIV/AIDS services, The CFA needs to expand the range of its efforts from advocacy for access to clinical trials and new treatments to advocacy for access to quality treatments. Secondly, respondents would like The CFA to take an active role in advocating for vaccine development.

In summary, from the perspective of its constituents, The CFA has carried out its mission of information and advocacy effectively.

The full report will be posted on The CFA website: centerforaids.org. This survey was made possible with support from Swalm Foundation.