Background:
In 1998, the Florida Department of Health (FDH), Bureau of HIV/AIDS, developed the Florida HIV/AIDS Minority Network, a strategic effort developed to reach priority populations. The network forms a link between minority community-based organizations and provides advocacy, recommends strategies and provides resources that will build an organization's capacity to provide quality HIV/AIDS prevention services.

Objective:
This analysis helps assess the Minority Network Initiative by focusing on the network's capacity for developing, enhancing and sustaining links among stakeholders. The results of the analysis help determine (1) whether the initiative is being implemented as designed; (2) if it provides information useful to improvement; and (3) whether the existing model is effective.

Method:
The methodology for assessing the Minority Network Initiative was to review the performance of the network by conducting facilitated discussions with network members, and with FDH staff who work closely with the network. A total of 21surveys were administered to network members; however, only seven surveys (33%) were returned.

Result:
Findings from the facilitated discussions indicate that the network provides a commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention, expands the reach of HIV/AIDS efforts and is a direct link to the a population that is often overlooked by mainstream efforts; additionally, identified challenges include staff attrition, training and lack of incentive for the network liaisons.

Conclusion:
Although the Minority Network operates on limited funding and encounters challenges, evidence of achievement demonstrates that the network builds and sustains HIV/AIDS capacity particularly, within grassroots communities.

Implications:
The network's outreach to priority populations enables a larger population base to be affected by HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. More research is needed to identify promising strategies and best practices in reducing HIV infection among disproportionately affected populations. Additional research and evaluation in developing standard guidelines or recommendations can be highly effective for building capacity within priority populations.