KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Approximately $3 million in federal, state, and local funds will be entrusted to Seattle's HIV/AIDS Planning Council to fund HIV prevention interventions targeting high-risk residents of King County in 2006-2007. To determine how to prioritize these funds, the Planning Council's Prevention Prioritization Subcommittee will hold a series of public meetings before drafting a prioritization plan for review and approval by the full council.

The first three public meetings are scheduled for January 7, 14 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other meetings will be held on various Fridays during February and March, 2005. Meetings will be held at the 2100 Building, 2100 24th Avenue South, Seattle, 98141. The public is invited to attend and either observe or provide testimony to the planning process.

For schedule details or to provide input, you may contact the Council Administrator by e-mailing jesse.chipps@metrokc.gov, calling 206-205-5511, or writing to the HIV/AIDS Planning Council, 400 Yesler Way, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98104.

The planning effort will be based upon epidemiological data, and data gathered through rigorous needs assessment processes. Planning Council's Prevention Prioritization Subcommittee consists of council members, prevention providers, persons living with HIV/AIDS, and others from the community.

The Seattle HIV/AIDS Planning Council, a 30-member community planning body established in 1993, determines how federal, state, and local funds are used for HIV/AIDS prevention and care efforts in King County.

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