This resource describes how state health departments and other public health organizations can partner with people with HIV and/or who use(d) drugs in programmatic and policy making processes and evaluation. When guided by equity and inclusion, organizations have the ability to support people with lived experience as essential leaders and community connectors for optimal service provision.

This resource includes:

1. examples of how Rhode Island and Iowa have involved people with lived experience in HIV and substance use disorder programmatic and policy making processes;
2. recommendations for engaging and partnering with people with lived experience; and
3. special considerations when involving people with HIV and/or who use(d) drugs.

Keywords: HIV, substance use, lived experience