New Member Orientation

Region VIII IPP

HHS Region VIII comprises the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Region VIII has an Advisory Committee that was formed in 1992 to ensure the continuous implementation of the goals of the National IPP.

In accordance with the National IPP, project area representatives from Family Planning, STD, and Laboratory have voting privileges within the Advisory Committee. The Committee currently meets once a year to address regional issues as well as regional progress regarding the Chlamydia Project including setting project priorities, establishing regional screening and treatment guidelines, as well as bringing together surveillance and epidemiologic activities.

The overall goal of the Region VIII IPP is to assess and reduce the prevalence of Chlamydia and gonorrhea and associated complications in family planning and STD clinic populations, and other community-based provider populations, through a program of outreach, education, screening, treatment, and follow-up. Funds granted through this project are intended to expand services to women in need, rather than replace or supplant existing service dollars.

While specific objectives may vary from state to state, the overall objectives of the regional plan are as follows:

• Maintain a regional data collection system
• Evaluate and update regional screening criteria
• Expand services
• Improve services, such as screening, treatment, and follow-up
• Reduce test, treatment, and laboratory costs

The role of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI R&T), is to administer the project, and provide coordination and support to the Regional Advisory Committee in Region VIII. JSI advises the program on data collection and maintenance, service guidelines, and the development of quality assurance systems. JSI also evaluates regional data, and coordinates Regional Advisory Committee meetings.