Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer on (404)498-1210.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments to Anne O'Connor , CDC Assistant Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-D24, Atlanta, GA 30333. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Proposed Project: Resources and Services Database on CDC National Prevention Information Network (OMB No. 0920-0255)—Reinstatement—National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background

CDC, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention proposes to continue data collection for the Resources and Services Database on CDC National Prevention Information Network (formerly known as the National AIDS Clearinghouse), previously approved under OMB No. 0920-0255. This request is for a 3-year reinstatement of clearance.

NCHSTP has the primary responsibility within the CDC and the U.S. Public Health Service for the prevention and control of HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and tuberculosis (TB), including community-based HIV prevention activities and syphilis and TB elimination programs. To support NCHSTP's mission and to link Americans to prevention, education, and care services, the CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) serves as the U.S. reference, referral, and distribution service for information on HIV/AIDS, STDs, and TB. NPIN is a critical member of the network of government agencies, community organizations, businesses, health professionals, educators, and human services providers that educate the American public about the grave threat to public health posed by HIV/AIDS, STDs, and TB, and provides services for persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Established in 1988, the NPIN Resources and Services Database contains entries on approximately 19,000 organizations and is the most comprehensive listing of HIV/AIDS, STD and TB resources and services available throughout the country. This database describes national, state and local organizations that provide services related to HIV/AIDS, STDs, and TB such as counseling and testing, prevention, education and support services. The NPIN reference staff rely on the Resources and Services Database to respond to nearly 63,000 requests each year for information or referral from community based organizations, state and local health departments, and health professionals working in HIV/AIDS, STD and TB prevention. The CDC National AIDS and STD Hotline staff also use the NPIN Resources and Services Database to refer approximately one million callers yearly to local programs for information, services, and treatment. The American public can also access the NPIN Resources and Services database through the NPIN Web site. More than 12 million visits by the public to the Web site are recorded annually.

To accomplish CDC's goal of continuing efforts to maintain an up-to-date, comprehensive database, NPIN plans each year to add 100 newly identified organizations and to verify those organizations currently described in the NPIN Resources and Services Database each year. NPIN staff learn about new organizations through exhibiting at health and professional meetings, searching the Internet, and perusing newsletter announcements and press releases. Once a new organization is identified as providing HIV/AIDS, STD or TB-related services, NPIN staff will mail the Resource Organization Questionnaire along with a cover letter. The purpose of the questionnaire is to gather information about the HIV/AIDS, STD or TB-related services available from the organization, what geographic area the organization serves, and the target audiences for these services. Each organization will also receive a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of the questionnaire. Organizations with access to the Internet, will be given the option to complete and submit an electronic version of the questionnaire by visiting the CDC NPIN Web site. If NPIN receives no response to the initial mailing of the questionnaire, a follow-up telephone call will be made to the organization requesting the organization to complete and return the questionnaire.

As part of the verification process for the Resources and Services Database, 40 percent of the organizations will receive a copy of their current database entry by electronic mail, including a cover letter and a list of instructions. The remaining 60 percent will receive a telephone call to review their database record. There is no cost to respondents.