Overview
NACCHO is recruiting up to 10 local health departments (LHDs) for a community of practice (CoP) on advancing syndemic approaches to the intersecting epidemics of HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis. CoP participants will be expected to participate in three virtual CoP sessions and 1 in-person convening (travel costs will be covered by NACCHO) between April and July 2025. For additional information, review the full announcement linked here. Interested LHDs should complete the brief interest form and a letter of support from LHD leadership (see guidance in interest form), and submit it to Kat Kelley ([email protected]) via email by March 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT.
Syndemic Approaches
Syndemic refers to 2 or more diseases or health conditions that cluster within specific populations(s) due to shared social and contextual factors, resulting in worse health outcomes. Partners across national, federal, state, and local public health are increasingly applying a syndemic perspective to address the intersecting epidemics of HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis, with many expanding their focus to also include substance use disorder (SUD), overdose, and/or tuberculosis (TB).
Through engagement with LHDs, NACCHO has identified the following core components of a syndemic approach at LHDs:
- Integrate programs and services
- Prioritize people and places
- Braid and pool resources and infrastructure
- Address drivers of the syndemic
See full announcement for additional detail and examples of syndemic approaches.
CoP Structure & Benefits
Participating LHDs will identify and work to implement syndemic approaches that are appropriate for their organization and jurisdiction, considering local epidemiological trends and opportunities to increase efficiency and effectiveness of programs.
CoP members will be expected to either establish a syndemic steering group or designate an existing group of staff to serve as the syndemic steering group. This group will participate in three 90-minute virtual CoP activities between April and July 2025. At least one member of the syndemic steering group will be expected to participate in a 1.5-day long, in-person convening in Atlanta, GA, in early/mid-June. (NACCHO will cover all travel-related expenses).
Application Process
If your LHD is interested in participating in this project, please submit the interest form and a letter of support (see guidance under question #10 in the interest form) from LHD leadership to Kat Kelley ([email protected]) with the subject line “Syndemic CoP” by Friday, March 28th at 11:59 PM PT.
