Description:
Advantages: Partnerships provide access to staff, expertise, and resources not available through STD funding alone. Programmatic efficiencies can occur because STD programs share some of the same populations (adolescents and young adults, young MSM, etc.) and issues (racial/ethnic disparities, abstinence vs. comprehensive sexuality education) with HIV/AIDS and pregnancy prevention programs. Challenges: Silo funding tends to encourage programmatic duplication which can undermine effectiveness/efficiency. Unanticipated Benefits: Core Competencies may enhance the capacity of STD staff to better serve adolescent and young adult populations. Non-governmental partnerships can sidestep bureaucratic restrictions and greatly expand STD media coverage and health communication at minimal cost.