The Task Force was formed in 1990. Members are representatives from local community AIDS education organizations and federal, state, and local agencies. Members have agreed that the task force will:
Disseminate information on approved drugs;
Collect and distribute information on fraudulent products;
Facilitate action against fraudulent products and their promoters;
Increase awareness of AIDS fraud throughout the state.

According to government estimates, billions of dollars are being spent each year on fraudulent AIDS treatments. Why? Because affected persons believe and hope that cures may exist. However, not all promoted treatments are fraudulent or harmful. Some may be beneficial. As educated consumers, our task is to separate fact from fiction, and to avoid the expensive and unhealthy victimization from medical treatments which do not work or have been proven ineffective
The Colorado HIV/AIDS Consumer Information Task Force has organized and sponsored the following educational interventions throughout Colorado:
 
1990 First Colorado Conference - Denver
1991 Teleconference (Nutrition) - Denver
1993 HIV/AIDS Treatments: Separating Fact from Fiction - Denver, Grand Junction
1994 HIV/AIDS Treatments: Separating Fact from Fiction - Fort Collins, Colorado Springs
1994 National AIDS Task Force Conference, "Moving Forward" - Breckenridge
1995 HIV/AIDS Awareness: Separating Fact from Fiction - Denver, Colorado Springs
1996 The A to Z's of Alternative Therapies, How Safe is Colorado's Water?, How to Effectively Evaluate Therapies/Treatments - Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Grand Junction
Goals
Idealistically, the task force would like to reach 100% of the HIV positive population in Colorado, now estimated in Colorado at 7,000 reported cases. Achievable goals are 65% by the end of 1999, with an estimated penetration rate currently at 45%.
To prove the value of the information provided by the task force we can demonstrate effects by responses from the population encountered, and add credibility with scientific reports and studies such as the New Mexico Aids Information Fact Sheets.
Marketing Strategy
The consumer sees our message as very helpful information not provided by other sources. The unique advantages of the task force include: cross cultural efforts with the Latino, African American, Native American, Pacific Islands and Asian groups, the unique skills and expertise of the members of the task force, and the common sense tools provided through their efforts.
We can reposition our competitors by exposing the fraudulent products, processes and procedures proliferated by various groups and media.
Media Objectives
Our communications are believable, motivating, memorable, simple, logical, and unique. We have established an image of the task force as an organization that is professional, completely reliable, and well positioned in the market.
Media Strategy
Select primary publications with high specific market penetration. Schedule adequate frequency of ads to impact market with corporate image and product messages.
Where possible, position advertising in or near the targeted population. Take advantage of special high-interest issues of major publications when possible. Maximize ad life with monthly and weekly publications.
Advertising and Promotion
Advertising tools include brochures, newspapers, magazines, billboards, signs, web sites, public television, speaker's bureaus, various outreach programs such as Meals -On -Wheels, and Project Angel Heart. In addition, cooperating efforts with national and local seminars, conferences will be funded and resourced.
Advertising Campaign

1999 Print Advertising Campaign
Program Summary
In 1999, Colorado HIV/AIDS Consumer Information Task Force conducted a print advertising campaign designed to reach a target audience with information on how to identify suspect products, how to evaluate these products and to empower people living with AIDS to “Protect Yourself!”The campaign used six separate media outlets in the Denver metro area, each having a different approach. The details are listed below:Westword Magazine
Ran a one-time insertion in the Best of Denver Issue in this local weekly paper on June 24, 1999. Many people keep this issue for an extended period as it is full of information on Denver’s “hot spots.”The Gay and Lesbian Pink PagesRan a one-time insertion in the biannual resource guide for the gay and lesbian community. This ad ran on the inside front cover of the publication, which is kept by an individual for at least six months.
Colorado Biz Magazine
Ran three insertions in this monthly magazine targeting Denver business owners, including the July issue, “The 100 Top Minority Businesses. ”The ad, which is intended to obtain new members, will also run in the September and November issues.Out Front Colorado
Ran six insertions, beginning with the Pridefest issue (6/16/99), which covers a week of festivities including a parade, dedicated to gay and lesbian issues. The ads for this gay and lesbian publication ran every other week (6/30, 7/14, 7/28, 8/11, and 8/25) and highlighted important issues to remember when considering treatments.
La Voz
Ran six insertions in this Spanish/English weekly newspaper on 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, and 7/28/99. Each ad emphasized a particular point of consideration concerning fraudulent treatments.
The Oyster
Ran six insertions in this “swingers” weekly newspaper on 7/8, 8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26, and 9/2/99. Each ad emphasized a particular point of consideration concerning fraudulent treatments.COST:
The total cost to run all ads, including design, production and insertion was approximately $13,500.00.
FY 2000
Pink Pages – ran the same ad in both issues in 2000Pride Magazine – one ad in the Pridefest issueOut Front Colorado – repeated ads from 1999Resolute!/Resuelto! – ran the series of six in each publicationUrban Spectrum – ran the series of six ads in this publicationTime line and events list
6/27/99 Gay Pride
9/12/99Colrado AIDS Walk
11/5-8/99 National Conference on Aids
12/1/99 World Aids Day

Incentives
Advertising specialties water bottles, coffee mugs, T-shirts, imprinted gifts and gadgets.
Action Items Generated at the National Aids Task Force Conference June, 1999
Recruiting Plan (Incorporate into our Marketing Plan) (8/99)
Brainstorm list of organizations to target - i.e. Experts in various occupations and professions (7/27)
Change letterhead to reflect members (7/27)
Have a more physical presence (Now and Later)
Design a new member kit (i.e., Florida) (9/99)
Junior Task Force (1/00)
Work w/Seniors Against Fraud & Exploitation (SAFE) - Senior Task Force (1/00)
Activate speakers bureau (12/99)
Increase media involvement (10/99)
Publicity Strategy
Develop a regular and consistent product update program for the major target media, keeping key editors abreast of [x] enhancements and [x] new information introductions.
Develop an internal newsletter
Develop a minimum of four technical articles written by key executives or engineers to be placed in [list publications] within the next [x] months.
Editorial Visitation
Over the next [x] months we will [host / invite] the most influential reporters and editors from [publication and / or broadcast media names] for a visit to various activities (Diane Aiker, the Channel 9 Health Fair, the U.S. Conference on Aids, the Colorado Dietetic Association.
During the National AIDS Health Fraud Task Force Conference in Dallas each task force brainstormed by group to develop ideas and action plans to implement during the next two years. Part of the process included broadening our scope of influence beyond HIV/AIDS (linking) to other disease states such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, etc. That aspect is included in the "How Linking Will Help Us" section, which follows the action items.
More people will know about us
Potential resources & speakers:

Money
Events
Activities
New audiences
Learn from them: trends, products, and current affairs
Increase membership
Maybe "they" will do some of our work for us