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Behavioral and Social Science Volunteer Program (BSSV) The BSSV Program is a national HIV prevention technical assistance program directed by the American Psychological Association, Office on AIDS. The BSSV Program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has established a national network of behavioral and social science volunteers to assist with HIV prevention efforts in their communities. This national network of psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, public health experts, social workers, and others is organized to offer free and ongoing technical assistance to community-based organizations (CBOs), health departments, and HIV-prevention community planning groups (CPGs) that want state-of-the-science prevention for their communities. FAQS | HIV/AIDS Program Evaluation Tools | The Linkage Newsletter FAQS Why Was the BSSV Program Created? What Exactly Does the BSSV Program Do? Who Are the BSSVs? What Can the BSSV Program Offer CBOs? What Can the BSSV Program Offer CPGs? What Can the BSSV Program Offer Health Departments? What Do BSSV Program Staff Do? Where Can I Get More Information? Why Was the BSSV Program Created? External reviews of CDC's HIV prevention community planning process recommended greater emphasis on science-based decision making Local capacity for HIV prevention is enhanced, and continuity of effort is promoted, when technical assistance is offered on an ongoing basis by experts who live and work in the community Behavioral and social scientists with critical expertise want to become more involved with HIV prevention efforts in their communities What Exactly Does the BSSV Program Do? Recruits qualified behavioral and social science volunteers (BSSVs) Orients BSSVs to work effectively with HIV prevention planners and implementers Links BSSVs to those who desire technical assistance Who Are the BSSVs? Psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, and public health experts who know the science of HIV prevention and how to apply it Dedicated professionals who want to be part of their local community's HIV prevention efforts Scientists who are experienced in working with CBOs and Health Departments What Can BSSVs Offer CBOs? Assistance with: Using Theory Adopting/Adapting Proven Interventions Evaluations Writing Grant Proposals Needs Assessments Presentations/Trainings Designing Interventions What Can BSSVs Offer CPGs? Assistance with: Using Theory Defining Goals and Objectives Needs Assessments Evaluations Identifying BSSVs to Sit on CPG Prioritizing Populations Identifying Effective Interventions Presentations/Trainings What Can BSSVs Offer Health Departments? Assistance with: Evaluations Strengthening RFPs Presentations/Trainings Strengthen Internal CBA - TA Capacity What Do BSSV Program Staff Do? Clarify the specific needs of the agency requesting assistance Identify an appropriate local BSSV to respond to the technical assistance request Link the BSSV with the requesting agency Provide the BSSV with resources and tools to do the job Network with other national agencies and technical assistance providers Evaluate the usefulness of the linkage from the perspective of the volunteer and the agency Where Can I Get More Information? BSSV Program American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, D.C., 20002-4242 Phone: 202-218-3993 Fax: 202-336-6198 HIV/AIDS Program Evaluation Tools This link provides tools for the development and evaluation of HIV prevention programs. It was designed to serve the needs of HIV prevention providers and technical assistance providers who serve these providers. Many BSSV participants find these valuable tools to be effective.