A syndemic approach recognizes that HIV, STIs, viral hepatitis, and substance use are interconnected and influenced by broader social, structural, and community factors. This approach supports integrated prevention, testing, care, treatment, and support strategies while honoring Tribal sovereignty and reflecting each community’s unique priorities and strengths.
The Syndemic Needs Assessment is a structured tool used by program staff to identify strengths, gaps, barriers, and opportunities related to HIV, STI, viral hepatitis, and substance use services within Tribal communities. The assessment is available in two versions and is selected based on the services available within the participating Tribe or organization.
Clinical Syndemic Needs Assessment
Designed for Tribal clinics, healthcare facilities, and organizations that provide direct clinical services. This assessment evaluates capacity to deliver prevention, screening and testing, diagnosis, treatment, care, partner services, surveillance, referrals, and related support services. It also examines workforce capacity, policies and procedures, training needs, quality improvement activities, and technical assistance needs to develop site-specific recommendations.
Community Health Syndemic Needs Assessment
Designed for Tribes and organizations that do not provide direct clinical services. This assessment focuses on community-based prevention infrastructure, health education and outreach, access to testing and prevention resources, substance use and harm reduction services, referral and linkage systems, partnerships, workforce capacity, community priorities, and other factors that influence access to HIV, STI, viral hepatitis, and substance use services.
Goals of the Syndemic Needs Assessment
The assessment is designed to:
For more information about completing a Clinical Syndemic Needs Assessment or Community Health Syndemic Needs Assessment for your Tribe or organization, please contact program staff.
