Alaska’s HIV Advisory Group - ARISE

About the Integrated Advisory Group

The Alaska Advisory Group (ARISE – Alaskans Responding with Innovative Solutions to End HIV Transmission) serves as a voice for HIV prevention and care in Alaska by engaging stakeholders in meaningful discussions about prevention and care needs, working with HIV service organizations and medical care providers to plan HIV prevention and care activities, identifying gaps in resources for HIV prevention and care, and collaboratively identifying strategies and activities to advance HIV prevention and care services in Alaska. ARISE members consist of health care providers, public health professionals, and other health and social service experts. These individuals join ARISE because of their interest, experience, and expertise related to HIV prevention and care. All members are committed to the goal of effectively preventing HIV transmission in Alaska.

Every state and territory in the United States which receives federal funding for HIV Prevention and/or Care services must maintain an active Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Advisory Group. Community planning is a required part of every governmental jurisdiction's cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA).

Frequently Asked Questions about the HIV Advisory Group (ARISE)

• What are members of ARISE expected to accomplish?

  Members are expected to take an active role in addressing HIV prevention and care in Alaska. The advisory group has made it a priority to increase the knowledge of HIV prevention and care strategies in Alaskan communities and among Alaskan healthcare providers. Strategies are diverse but may include writing and disseminating recommendations related to HIV prevention and care, hosting a table or booth on HIV prevention and care at conferences and meetings across Alaska, having an online presence promoting proven HIV prevention and risk reduction strategies, educating persons about effective HIV prevention and care strategies, and other activities related to HIV prevention and care. A main task of the advisory group is to assist with the development a 5-year comprehensive HIV prevention and care plan reflecting the scientific evidence and input from the at-risk population most affected by HIV/AIDS. This plan, the Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan, guides strategies for addressing HIV services across Alaska.

• Who serves as ARISE members?

  Membership is representative of Alaskan services providers. Individual ARISE members represent the characteristics, life experiences, and perspectives of individuals living with HIV. Membership consist of providers of HIV services and public health professionals with expertise necessary for planning and evaluating HIV prevention strategies and services (behavioral science, social science, epidemiology, and health planning). Members seek information relevant to HIV prevention and care needs and resources from individuals in their communities who are HIV service consumers and relay this information to the advisory group to enrich the advisory group’s consideration of effective HIV prevention and care strategies for Alaskans.

• What kind of time commitment is required to be a member?

  The advisory group meets once a quarter (typically February, May, August, November) for 1.5 - 2 hours. While quarterly member meetings are typically held 100% virtual via Zoom or Teams, upcoming changes may allow for an in-person component in Anchorage.

• How does someone become an ARISE member?

  Interested individuals who meet the membership criteria may submit a membership application form. There are two levels of membership for ARISE. Full Member: Appointed by a majority vote after the completion of an application process. Members have full voting rights, are subject to membership terms and attendance requirements, as outlined in the ARISE Guidelines. Associate Member: Appointed by the co-chairs after the completion of an application process. Associate members do not count toward the ARISE membership numbers, have no voting rights, no attendance requirements, and no membership terms.

Membership

• Application form for Application form for AIHAG membership
  
• Alaska Integrated HIV Advisory Group Charter Membership Guidebook

Alaska HIV Prevention Plans

• 2022-2026 Alaska Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan
  
• 2017-2021 Alaska Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan
• 2013-2016 Alaska HIV Plan
• 2010-2012 Alaska HIV Prevention Plan
• 2007-2009 Alaska HIV Prevention Plan
• 2004-2006 Alaska HIV Prevention Plan
• 2001-2003 Alaska HIV Prevention Plan
• Supplemental Report: Rural MSM Strategic Plan

For more information, please contact:

Taylor Holsinger, MPH (she/her)
HIV Prevention Coordinator
Alaska Division of Public Health
Section of Epidemiology
Phone: 907-269-5221
Fax: 907-561-4239
Email: taylor.holsinger@alaska.gov