Chime In for Public Health Professionals

In January 2016, CDC awarded the Oregon Health Authority, HIV/STD/TB section competitive funding to implement National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This includes Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties in Oregon and Clark and Skamania Counties in Washington. NHBS is known locally as “Chime In.” 

The project consists of 500 annual, anonymous surveys and HIV testing of populations at increased risk for HIV. 

The target population rotates annually among three groups: 

Since each population gets interviewed every three years, NHBS permits evaluation of trends over time. NHBS collects data on sexual and drug use risk behaviors, receipt of prevention services (e.g., HIV testing, free condoms, sterile syringes) and the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV infection. These data help public health agencies better optimize HIV, STI, and HCV prevention efforts.