• State realistic, specific, measurable, and attainable program objectives.

• Identify methods and activities to achieve specific goals and objectives.

• Define staff roles, duties and responsibilities.

• Define population to be served by geographic locale, risk behavior(s), gender, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity.

• Assure the educational materials and messages are relevant, culturally competent, and language and age appropriate.

• Include professional development for all programs.

• Include written policies and personnel procedures that address stress and burnout.

• Include written procedures for the referral and tracking of clients to appropriate services outside the agency.

• Provide for collaboration with the other local service providers to assure access to services for clients.

• Assure confidentiality of persons served.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a complete document outlining HIV Health Education and Risk Reduction guidelines which includes the core elements listed above.