Prevention Options for Positives (POP) Overview. As a response to stakeholder and community concern regarding HIV prevention among HIV positive persons, a needs assessment was conducted and a demonstration project was implemented. A June 2000 report of these findings, the Michigan Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Needs Assessment Results and Recommended Evaluation Activities states: A needs assessment was conducted with 137 persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) in the State of Michigan to determine: specific information regarding how, when, and where they believe they became infected, factors that contributed to their infection, risk behaviors that they have engaged in and challenges they have faced since their infection, and services they would find useful. The results of the study indicate that most respondents in the current study are men who have sex with men (MSM) who were infected with HIV while either in the metro Detroit area or while living out of State. The factors most commonly indicated as contributing to their infection include: not knowing they were at risk, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not knowing about, liking, or having access to tools for practicing safer sex, and not feeling assertive enough for safer sex. Many of the respondents report engaging in unprotected sexual behaviors. This indicates a need for prevention activities targeted toward PLWH/A. The data indicate significant portion of the sample report having engaged in unprotected anal, vaginal, and oral sex, since they learned of their infection, but most (64%) believe they have not infected anyone else since their infection. There are some clear areas of need reported by the participants in this study. First, is an obvious need for enhanced communication skills. Many respondents report difficulties communicating with sex partners, families, and friends about their HIV status. Second, there are a number of psychosocial challenges reported by respondents including feeling hopeless about or fearful of intimate relationships. Indeed, 73% of respondents reported a need for counseling and support for dealing with HIV and 43% expressed a desire for counseling for their sex partners. Many also expressed a need to meet others with HIV. Additionally, a significant number of participants reported that they have had difficulty practicing and maintaining safer sex. Any interventions designed for this population should address these needs. The Prevention Options for Positives (POP) program was designed to address the multiple risk issues faced by HIV positive men who have sex with men (MSM’s) with regard to acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) and/or transmission of HIV. The POP project began as a quasi-experimental demonstration project that utilized peer-facilitated, multi-session group level interventions and individual level prevention counseling interventions. The group curriculum and the individual counseling model were developed specifically for this project. The POP model is now in replication with four funded agencies in Michigan. Continuing training on the POP project, model and replication is available through MAPP. Please contact POP Program Director, Mark Peterson mpeterson@aidsprevention.com 248-545-1435 ext. 106 for more information regarding this project and other related “Prevention for Positives” information.

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