To engage communities in developing and applying creative and practical science-based program and policy strategies to resolve complex public health issues. History And Philosophy The AED Center on AIDS & Community Health (formerly the Center for Community-Based Health Strategies) helps communities create innovative programs and policies to improve public health. We believe that hands-on community involvement results in more effective, practical, accessible, and sustainable programs ; which translates into better health. Founded in 1997, the Center is located at the Academy for Educational Development, an independent, nonprofit organization committed to solving critical social problems in the United States and throughout the world through education, research, training, technical assistance, social marketing, policy analysis, and innovative program design and management. AED's 800 employees, located throughout the world, have been helping people and communities reach higher capacities since 1961. Funders for the Center include foundations, businesses, and governmental agencies that want to help maintain and improve the health of local communities. Our funders understand that by working hand-in-hand with the us and members of a community, their support can go further to improve the health and lives of people in communities across the globe. We Make Effective Health Programs A Reality For Communities The Center and its funders understand that a lack of meaningful community involvement can create ill-will toward needed programs; we are committed to overcoming such barriers. Involving community members in health program development and delivery can result in more thoughtfully designed, widely supported, and effective programs that better serve the needs of the community. The Center helps communities and funders gain the benefits of community involvement through the application of successful models. We help to define: What health needs are most important to the community? Who are the stakeholders that should be involved and why? What resources and assets can the community draw upon? What programs have been tried, and what were the results? What are the greatest opportunities for interventions? What will contribute to the success or failure of a program? We Provide Communities And Funders With Tools For Success Our unique approach to implementing community-based health strategies involves the affected community and the program funders as equal partners in decision-making. We know that successful outcomes rely on these components: Integrated approaches involving a full spectrum of affected individuals, stakeholder groups, and funders. Equality among stakeholders, creating an inclusive environment for community members to fully participate in making decisions about meaningful programs. Objectives defined by the community and the funders, with strong input from the affected community about the development and delivery of programs that will most positively impact them. Science- and fact-based decision making, which relies on the best available data, theory, and proven practices to yield efficient, cost-effective programs. Measurable outcomes that meet objectives defined by both funders and the community. A strong infrastructure to effectively sustain programs over time. We Use Many Methods To Find Solutions To Health Challenges Drawing on our staff and a diverse group of experts and organizations, the Center on AIDS & Community Health strengthens capacities within a community to carry out long-term solutions to complex health problems. We find these solutions in many different ways, always working in concert with the impacted community and program funders to best meet the objectives.