Participants identified current activities, some of which supported by the CDC that are now in place to help African American women (for a summary of participant identified Current Activities, see the Discussion Matrix, page 11). Participants also developed a list of areas for consideration, which are activities that could be undertaken to address HIV/AIDS among African American women. For example, participants suggested that HIV prevention activities could be integrated into services provided by women’s organizations; and, that HIV tests could be done when women come in for their annual Pap tests, that more qualitative studies are needed to develop new interventions, and that educational classes should be offered to teach parents how to talk to their children about sex (for a summary of Areas for Consideration, see the Discussion Matrix, page 11).

When asked to provide suggestions and identify priorities, the participants contributed many. The participants developed more than 60 suggestions and priority actions reflecting their extensive knowledge and experiences. For example, participants suggested that differences in urban vs. rural implications for HIV/AIDS services must be studied, try new ways to deliver messages about HIV risk that do not focus on the stigma associated with the source of infection, identify what drives behavior, and mobilize women with HIV to teach other women about prevention (for a summary of all Suggested Priorities, see the Discussion Matrix, page 12).

After identifying current activities, areas for consideration, and suggested priorities, participants began to draft other suggestions to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS among African American women. These observations provide suggestions on how to prevent transmission of infection and provide details on the specific framework within which regulatory bodies, local public health agencies, and a range of community-based and stakeholder organizations could assess and manage the HIV/AIDS crisis among African American women (for a summary of all Other Participant Suggestions, see the Discussion Matrix, page 13).

While it can not be guaranteed that all participant suggestions will be implemented, the cross-cutting issues and observations provided by the participant during discussion of co-morbidities for HIV and how do they affect African American women s provides the CDC with valuable insight of what may need to be considered when strengthening public health efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS among African American women (for a summary of Participant Issues and Observations, see the Discussion Matrix, page 14). Some of the participant suggestions are complex and must be corroborated by a systematic review of the literature, and phase-in time will be needed to allow efficient, effective implementation and evaluation of these activities. However, by involving members of the community and following the key areas identified in the Heightened National Response action strategies, we can make strides toward reducing the high rates of HIV/AIDS among African American women.

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