About the Project
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the National HIV Behavioral Assessment project since 2003. The project work occurs in multiple states across the country and monitors HIV risk behaviors to assist prevention, education, and treatment services. This project cycles each year through three priority populations: men who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs, and heterosexually active persons at increased risk for HIV infection. Over the last decade, data from this project in Massachusetts has helped inform local, state, and national officials about useful prevention and treatment services, with the aim of generating sustainable and equitable public policies.
In 2022, Massachusetts was one of two states selected to pilot a new approach to the NHBS project, called National HIV Behavioral Surveillance: Brief HIV Bio-behavioral Assessment (NHBS-BHBA). This new NHBS-BHBA project allows DPH to choose different priority populations and to collect data in new areas of the state. These priority populations and locations for the NHBS-BHBA project are chosen based on feedback from community members, knowledgeable professionals, state advisory bodies, and input from other statewide available data. The approach includes asking participants for more information about their lived experience, allowing DPH to understand the context of the data collected.
As of October 2025, NHBS-BHBA has become a Massachusetts-led project with guidance and support from the CDC. Data are only provided to CDC in aggregate, and data collection is focused on addressing local needs.
Purpose of NHBS-BHBA
The purpose of this project is to better understand what factors impact HIV transmission across different populations at increased risk, identify gaps in prevention efforts, and develop useful interventions to prevent new infections and improve treatment services. The overall goals of the project are to learn more about HIV infection, disease progression, and behaviors and characteristics of people at high risk.
Priority Populations
NHBS-BHBA selects new priority populations every year. With input from community members, state advisory bodies, and assessments from statewide data, the following populations were prioritized for people living in Massachusetts:
2024:
- Men who have sex with men of color
- People born outside the United States
2025:
- Heterosexual Black women
2026:
- Women who inject drugs
In 2026, the data collection for heterosexual Black women was completed and the next NHBS-BHBA cycle will focus on persons who inject drugs (PWID) in communities located in the northeastern part of Massachusetts.
Collected Data and Information
Through a combination of anonymous surveys, interviews, and testing, NHBS-BHBA collects information on health behaviors such as sexual history, access to healthcare services, prevention services and testing. All data are completely anonymous, and no names are collected from participants.
Data is analyzed to understand trends and identify areas for further investigation. When completed, finalized reports will be made available on this site and shared with appropriate community partners.
Community Partners
The project collaborates with several community partners, local organizations, and health centers with the goal of ensuring that the communities of focus are represented. We also have an advisory group that is comprised of professionals and community members for each population, that we work closely with to gather their feedback and any suggestions or recommendations for this project.
Our Team
- Principle Investigator and Epidemiologist: Shauna Onofrey
- Project Coordinator: Justin Hinchey
- Data Manager: Mona Jarrah
- Field Supervisor: Cycle dependent
- Field Interviewers: Cycle dependent
NHBS Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will my information be shared with the public?
No. The entire project is anonymous, we do not collect any personal information about you.
2. I am interested in learning more about the advisory groups, who do I contact?
If you are interested in serving on one of our advisory groups, please contact our Project Coordinator, Justin Hinchey at justin.t.hinchey@mass.gov.
3. I have questions about the project regulations and ethical standards, who do I contact?
This project is coordinated by Shauna Onofrey, you may email her with any questions about being interviewed at shauna.onofrey@mass.gov. If you have questions about your rights as a participant, contact Dana Bernson, IRB Chair at dana.bernson@mass.gov.
4. Is the HIV test a requirement?
You have the option to take or opt out of the HIV test; the choice is yours.
5. Is the HIV test anonymous?
Yes, the HIV test is anonymous. The test and results will not be connected to your name or your personal medical record. If you test positive, you will be connected to someone who can help you get the medical care you need. Once your contact with NHBS staff is over, that person will ask for your name and will likely do additional testing.
6. How old do I have to be to participate?
You must be 18 years of age to participate in the project.
7. Something came up, can I re-schedule the interview or test?
Yes. If you cannot make it to your scheduled interview and need to re-schedule, please contact our Field Supervisor at 617-831-3539.
8. How do I get paid?
If you choose to participate in the study, you will receive payment for your time. Compensation will be explained before you participate in the interview. If you have questions after you participate, please call the field supervisor at 617-831-3539.
9. Do I need to provide any status documentation papers to participate in this study?
No. We will not ask you to provide any documentation papers for this project. We do not ask any information about your status.
10. I am interested in partnering with DPH on data analysis. Who should I contact?
Please contact Shauna Onofrey at shauna.onofrey@mass.gov.