As a member of the NQC Steering Committee since 2007, Dr. Nancy Koughan has helped NQC remain responsive to the needs of Ryan White grantees. Dr. Koughan is the Medical Director for the Dekalb County Board of Health's HIV Care Clinic, which receives funding from Parts A and C. The NQC Steering Committee is charged with helping identify technical assistance priorities and feedback on NQC activities.

A NQC consultant conducted an assessment of the clinic's quality-related activities in 2006. They recommended that the clinic participate in the NY State Dept. of Health AIDS Institute's HIVQUAL-US which works hand-in-hand with NQC to provide technical assistance to Ryan White Program grantees. Since then, Dr. Koughan and other clinic staff have taken advantage of various NQC trainings such as the Training of Quality Leaders and the Training-of-Trainers Programs. Staff also regularly participate in the NQC's Journal Club.

While the clinic's quality-related activities initially focused on medical performance measures-syphilis surveillance and case findings in particular-over the last two years there has been a move to more global performance measures. Currently, efforts focus on retention, which aligns with Part A requirements and the in+care Campaign. One of the clinic's peer counselors serves as the committee chair for the Campaign.

Using NQC services, Dr. Koughan built an excellent quality management program. She is also well positioned to provide informed feedback as a Steering Committee member because of her knowledge of NQC services and the direct effect they have had in her organization.  "Participating in these discussions is extremely important and valuable," relates Dr. Koughan. "Challenges persist and programs are being asked to do more with less."  Dr. Koughan's insights into NQC services and her active participation in the Steering Committee have enabled her to navigate these challenges and continue to provide a high level of service to HIV-infected individuals.

"With the NQC there are so many different venues for participation. It is not a one size fits all response," says Dr. Koughan. "Activities are available at all levels, from beginner to advanced. They can meet people where their needs are greatest."

Corin Landrum believes strongly in the involvement of consumers in quality improvement-related activities. "If consumers are not involved, it is more difficult for providers to determine what actually is going on with them," says Corin. "Peers bring 'hands on' experience and can shed light on how people live and the cultures they come from."

Corin is Program Coordinator for the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). FCSN, which is based in Boston, receives Part D funding to implement family support initiatives throughout Massachusetts for women and their families infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. The Program focuses on educational events, peer support, and training in leadership and advocacy. 

An important part of her work is training peer leaders. The program was developed to help community health centers more effectively use the peers they hire. The 10-week course focuses on training peers to be effective advocates within provider agencies.