Zero is Possible – Indiana (ZIP-IN) is a statewide initiative bringing together the essential people, tools, and resources to end the HIV epidemic and eliminate Hepatitis C (HCV) in Indiana.
What are ZIP Coalitions?
ZIP Coalitions are a coordinated, community-based approach to identifying needs, building a system of supports and services to address those needs, and collectively monitoring progress and working together to strengthen the system to meet the needs of all community members. They are responsible for leading regional efforts to end the HIV epidemic and eliminate HCV in Indiana, which includes engaging diverse partners, especially PWLE, and using data and information to set priorities and act strategically. ZIP Coalitions are driven by individuals and organizations committed to working together to end the HIV epidemic and eliminate HCV, and to support optimal quality of life for people living with HIV/HCV. Each coalition is led by a small team of passionate, strategic, community leaders. Ideally, this team of three-to-five people represents a variety of sectors, interests, and communities.
The work of engaging stakeholders to collectively identify and meet the needs of populations served requires a dynamic, strategic, and collaborative approach. ZIP Coalitions should work together to establish shared understanding on key issues, and to develop a leadership and management framework that supports and directs their work together.
ZIP Coalitions will meet at least quarterly but may meet more frequently if they choose. Agendas should be developed in advance and include:
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Data review, interpretation, and discussion in context of change from previous quarters – (IDOH will provide quarterly community- and agency-level data reports)
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Identification of emerging opportunities and challenges
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Strategy adjustments such as identifying and recruiting additional partners, collaborating to provide programs and services, and identifying additional data or information to be collected and reported back to the group
Additionally, agendas can be enhanced with the following:
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Educational presentations on best practices, latest trends, etc.
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Partner updates and success stories
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Workgroup presentations or breakout discussions
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Assessment, planning, and/or evaluation activities
Promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending the HIV epidemic and eliminating HCV
PROMOTE
COLLABORATE
Collaborate with partners to share information, resources, tools, and strategies to diagnose, treat, prevent, and respond
PRIORITIZE
Set regional priorities, assess programs and performance, and provide recommendations for local funding allocation
CENTER
Center the voices of people with lived experience
ENLIST
Enlist diverse partners - promote access to and effective use of mainstream programs
Where are ZIP Coalitions?
The ZIP Coalition model is a promising strategy for building the capacity of traditional and newly engaged partners to lead HIV/HCV elimination efforts in their community. The stronger the ZIP Coalition is, the more impactful their work will be. At minimum, ZIP Coalition leadership involves organizing meetings, follow up, documentation, and logistics, which requires staff time. Additionally, ZIP Coalitions must have capacity to facilitate meetings, track progress towards goals, prepare materials and reports, and communicate with stakeholders and partners. Each region will have different capacity levels to confidently tackle the range of expectations and activities. Currently, ZIP Coalitions receive financial support from the IDOH designed to offset costs associated with coalition management as well as technical assistance from partners including Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis and the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center (MATEC). This support will continue into 2021 in an expanded capacity.
ZIP Coalitions are organized into 10 regions:
ZIP Coalition Development Milestones & Goals
ZIP Coalition Resources
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