Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Part A Ryan White Planning Council (RWPC)?
A. It is a decision-making body that is responsible for planning HIV care services in the Philadelphia eligible metropolitan area.  This includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in PA and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties in NJ. 

Q. What is the Philadelphia HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (CPG)?
A. It is a decision-making body that is responsible for planning HIV prevention services in Philadelphia. 

Q. What does the Office of HIV Planning do?
A. As a part of the work done to support the efforts of the planning bodies, the office conducts needs assessment activities, produces literature reviews, organizes community outreach and educational activities, completes comprehensive plans, records and monitors official processes (including meeting minutes), collaborates with the AIDS Activity Coordinating Office (AACO) and other community and governmental organizations, and provides all the logistical and administrative support for the bodies.

Q. What is the Positive Committee?
A. The Positive Committee is a group who support and enhance the participation of people with HIV disease in the community planning process through educational activities and outreach.

Q. What is the Philadelphia Youth and Young Adult Roundtable?
A. The YRT is a volunteer group of 13—24 year olds who meet at least once every month to make sure the voice of youth is included in the planning of HIV/AIDS prevention services in the Philadelphia region

Q. Where are you located?
A. At 340 N. 12th Street, Suite 203. Philadelphia, PA 19107. Our office building is on the northeast corner of 12th Street and Callowhill Street. Go to www.mapquest.com for detailed driving directions.

Q. Where can I park?
A. There are two parking lots located at the corner of 12th and Callowhill. The current cost for parking at these lots are approximately $6.

Q. Are meetings open to the public?
A. Yes. All meetings are open to the public.

Q. How do I know when a meeting is being held?
A. Click here to check out our online calendar. 

Q. Will I get reimbursed for travel?
A. Yes. You need to sign in at the beginning of the meeting and remain in attendance for the majority of the meeting.  Tokens are generally reimbursed immediately, while parking costs (shown with receipts) are reimbursed in the mail.

Q. Can I vote at meetings?
A. Each body has bylaws that specify voting requirements.  Generally speaking, you have to be a member of the body to vote on issues, however, any input from the community is always welcome and considered during the discussion.

Q. I’m a new member and I’m confused about the process. What should I do?
A. Stop any staff member and ask them questions.  Other members are also happy to assist you with questions.  We also have training manuals that may help.

Q. I have special needs.  What do I need to do?
A. Call our office within a week of the meeting that you would like to attend and let us know about your requirements.  We will be happy to assist you in any way we can.

Q. What do I do if I have to miss a meeting?
A. Call our office at (215) 574-6760 prior to the start of the meeting and you will be excused.

Q. How do I find out what happened at a meeting that I missed?
A. Minutes are available on this website. Also feel free to call staff to get an update.

Q. My membership is expiring what should I do?
A. Fill out another application.  Call us or click here to be directed to the online application form.

Q. I have a colleague/friend who is interested in joining. What should I do?
A. Download an application from this website or call us and we will be happy to send out an application.

Q. I am interested in participating in a research study. What do I do?
A. The office hosts annual Town Hall meetings and does conduct needs assessment activities as necessary.  If you want to find out about current studies, call us at 215-574-6760 or check the main page of our website for more information.

Q. I am interested in coming to a Positive Committee meeting. Do I have to be a
     member?
A. No. Positive Committee is open to all individuals who are HIV positive and interested in participating in the planning process.

Q. Does the Office of HIV Planning make decisions around funding?
A. Absolutely not! Funding amounts put into each service category are the responsibility of the Planning Council. Information related to funding is provided to the Planning Council throughout the year by AACO.

Q. I need some data and statistics. Where do I look?
A. Check out the planning documents section of our website.

Q. All the acronyms used in the meetings are confusing.  What do I do?
A. Click here to view a list of HRSA definitions or click here for a list of CDC definitions.