Eliminate disparities by creating streams of continuous education methods that focus on reducing stigma, how to support effective care, and how to improve prevention strategies

1. Implement education program for youth and young adults that is conducted by established community groups.
2. Partner with Southeast AIDS Education & Training Center (AETC) to facilitate virtual continuing education on this topic
3. Encourage leadership from local organizations to offer monthly paid protected time to staff for continuing education/professional development.
4. Establish policies for community-based organizations for continuing education requirements for all employees (e.g., security guards, front desk, early intervention specialist, linkage staff, medical case manager, upper management, executive level).
5. Implement training in medical and allied health professional schools.
6. Meet with appropriate agencies to engage them in establishing a public education campaign to reduce stigma about HIV/AIDS research.
7. Explore relationships with faith-based community organizations to facilitate training and support programs to reduce stigma.
8. Encourage active participation in planning for decriminalization of HIV (adopting platforms with each provider who is providing HIV services).
9. Encourage providers to adapt to a holistic care approach, including addressing mental health, nutritional values or needs, physical health, and more.
10. Re-institute sex health education in Shelby County Schools (beginning at the high school level), and make optional due to parent objections.

High Priority

Invite agencies to “Lunch and Learn” programs.

Disruptively Innovative

Establish relationships with schools that have medical programs (e.g., University of Tennessee Health Science Center, high schools, colleges).