Intergovernmental collaboration in the emergency response to HIV transmission in Chautauqua County

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) staff became involved, in partnership with local county and national public health personnel, in the design and implementation of the emergency response to transmission of HIV in rural Chautauqua County, New York. Formulating plans for immediate public access to mass testing services on an uncertain time schedule and dealing with a myriad of other aspects in the context of intense media attention was an extraordinary and unprecedented experience. This case illustrated the value of intergovernmental collaboration. Lessons learned are informing development of NYSDOH guidelines.