The development and implementation of a user-friendly priority setting tool for HIV care and treatment services in New York City

The Ryan White Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Program is the largest federal program designed to provide medical and social support services for HIV infected persons who are uninsured or underinsured. In 2008, the Ryan White budget was $2.2 billion, of which over $100 million went to the New York City (NYC) eligible metropolitan area (EMA), which receives the largest Ryan White allocation targeted to any EMA. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is the grantee for the EMA. To implement HIV care and treatment programs funded by this grant, the DOHMH works closely with the NYC Ryan White Planning Council, a local community planning body that assesses needs, plans for service delivery and sets priorities for funds. This article describes priority setting principles, practices, findings and lessons learned. It also outlines how the legislatively mandated community planning body has developed and implemented a user-friendly priority setting process and tool.