The Research and Evaluation Unit manages and processes service utilization data from clinic-and-community-based organizations contracted with the Office of HIV/AIDS. These services include HIV, STD and viral hepatitis testing, risk information, health education and risk reduction sessions, as well as an array of support services for people living with HIV/AIDS including case management, transportation and housing for people in transition..

This unit manages data collection at all levels: from inception of data collection form development, provider training, database creation to reporting to federal funders and internal stakeholders. R&E staff create standardized and customized data reports used to assess service delivery throughout the state and assist in programmatic planning. Unit staff also analyze and interpret the data internally for contract managers and unit directors, and develop processes to disseminate the data to contracted organizations.

The R&E Unit is also responsible for the implementation of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) study in Boston, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for ongoing monitoring of risk behaviors and trends associated with HIV testing among targeted populations. R&E also collaborates with the HIV Surveillance Program.

This information is provided by the HIV/AIDS Bureau within the Department of Public Health.