New Commentary from MACC Latinx Working Group on Pandemic-Era Policies That Can Help End the HIV Epidemic for Latinas/os/xs | |
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(From L to R, Nina Yamanis (AU), SBS Core Associate Director, Maria Cecilia Zea (GW),
SBS Core Co-Director, & Cristian Mendoza Gomez (GW), Center Associate, Administrative Core and CDEIPI Scholar Alum)
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Dr. Thespina (Nina) Yamanis (AU), Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Associate Core Director, Dr. Maria Cecilia Zea (GW), SBS Core Co-Director, Cristian Mendoza Gomez (GW), the Administrative Core's Center Associate and CDEIPI Scholar Alum, and colleagues from the Mid-Atlantic CFAR Consortium (MACC) Latinx Working Group published a commentary in AIDS Patient Care and STD's last month entitled, "Pandemic-Era Policies that can Help End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic for Latinas/os/xs."
The commentary identifies ways to leverage the pandemic-era momentum to help end the HIV epidemic (EHE) for Latina/o/x individuals, and draws on original data with stakeholders who work in HIV prevention and treatment for Latinas/os/xs in the Mid-Atlantic region. Some key findings include: maintaining reimbursement for telehealth; recognizing the importance of the social determinants of health by funding programs that provide quality food, housing, transportation, and health insurance coverage regardless of immigration status; and addressing the shortage of Spanish-speaking health care workers through incentive programs and training/hiring of Spanish-speaking community health workers.
The commentary was a product of the MACC Latinx Working Group, their Director, Dr. Nina Yamanis, and CFAR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pathway Initiative (CDEIPI) Scholar Alum, Cristian Mendoza Gomez. Yamanis and Mendoza Gomez were partnered together through the DC CDEIPI Program, and worked together for 18 months while Mendoza Gomez was a CFAR Scholar studying at American University. Dr. Yamanis mentored Cristian with the study design, data collection and analysis, and the manuscript writing process. This research was funded by a 2022–2023 NIH-CFAR supplement award to the DC CFAR, and by American University's Deputy Provost and Dean of Faculty's Pilot Grant Award for faculty–student scholarly and creative collaborations.
Lastly, the MACC Latinx Working Group would like to dedicate this commentary to the late Yoshiaki Yamasaki, who served from 2007 to 2023 as Executive Director of The Philadelphia AIDS Consortium.
For more information regarding the commentary, please reach out to Nina Yamanis (yamanis@american.edu). For more information on the MACC Latinx Working Group, please reach out to Allison O'Rourke (oroukea@gwu.edu). Please read the full commentary here.
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REGISTER: DC CFAR SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM 2023 | |
The DC CFAR is proud to announce the Return of the DC CFAR Scientific Symposium - 2023! The Symposium will be held on Tuesday, October 10 from 9:00 am-3:30 pm in the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health Convening Center. This is the first large in-person event that the DC CFAR has hosted since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, and we hope that it will serve as a meaningful and memorable gathering of HIV investigators and community members in DC. This event will be held in-person with a virtual option on Zoom. Due to limited capacity, preference for in-person attendance will be given to DC CFAR Investigators, Community Partnership Council members, and NIH guests. After registering, your RSVP will be confirmed by a member of the DC CFAR staff. The working agenda can be viewed here.
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You're Invited! "Race, Health, & Inequality: The Roots of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Washington, DC" Seminar by Dr. Sanyu A. Mojola at American University | |
You are invited to attend the launch of the Center for Health, Risk, and Society (CHRS) Speaker Series at American University on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 2:30-4:30pm featuring Dr. Sanyu A. Mojola's talk entitled, "Race, Health, & Inequality: The Roots of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Washington, DC." Dr. Mojola is a Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, the Maurice P During Professor of Demographic Studies, and the Director of the Office of Population Research at Princeton University. The talk will take place in the Hall of Science, Classroom T07, on American University's Campus and will be followed by an open reception in the Outdoor Plaza of the Hall of Science. Please see the full announcement and further information here. No RSVP required!
CHRS is housed in the Department of Sociology at American University. CHRS supports a thriving multi-disciplinary community of scholars that conducts research on health and health-related issues using the tools and lens of social science. CHRS will host a regular seminar series throughout the academic year every Wednesday from 2:30-3:30pm. Please check their website for the seminar locations or join their listserv by emailing chrs@american.edu.
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Join the DC CFAR Clinical and Population Sciences Core
Wednesday Conversations Featuring Dr. Qing Pan
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Please join us for an upcoming DC CFAR CPS Core Conversation on Wednesday, September 27, from 5:00-6:00 pm ET. This webinar will feature Dr. Qing Pan, Co-Director of the DC CFAR CPS Core and Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at George Washington University. Dr. Pan's presentation will be on "Standardization of Continuous and Categorical Covariates in Sparse Penalized Regressions & Community Detection with Heterogeneous Block Covariance Model." Please find more information at the link here and register at the link below.
Register Now!
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DC CFAR Investigators Dr. Derek Dangerfield (GW) and Dr. DeMarc Hickson (UHU) awarded new UG3 Grant |  | |
Please join us in congratulating Drs. Derek Dangerfield (GWU) and DeMarc Hickson (UHU) on their recent UG3 award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) entitled "Identifying socioecological profiles that impact changes in care outcomes among Black sexual minority men living with HIV."
Dr. Dangerfield is an Associate Professor in the Department of Prevention and Community Health at GW, and Dr. Hickson is the Executive Director of Us Helping US and a member of the DC CFAR Executive Committee.
The goals of the study are to identify effective recruitment strategies and test the feasibility and acceptability of enrolling 1,000 Mid-Atlantic Black SMM LWH in a large virtual cohort; validate new and commonly accepted scales among BSMM LWH to to inform survey design; and to quantify the cross sectional and longitudinal relationships between multilevel factors and HIV care outcomes among 2,500 BSMM LWH.
Learn more about the award and study here.
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Spanish Translation Now Available: "Advancing Equity and Fostering Change: A Guide for Academic-Community Partnerships in the DC Center for AIDS Research" | |
The DC CFAR is proud to announce the release of "Advancing Equity and Fostering Change: A Guide for Academic-Community Partnerships in the DC Center for AIDS Research," now available in Spanish!
Developed through a collaborative effort of the DC CFAR Community Partnership Council and Social and Behavioral Sciences Core, the guide builds on the scientific literature, community expertise and practical experience with the goal of advancing equitable academic-community partnerships in the DC CFAR.
The guide offers historical context, concise and focused guidance, “real world” examples, and practical tools. It is organized around key components for an equitable academic-community partnership in the DC CFAR. In addition to the guide, the authors have assembled an appendix of practical guidance and helpful resources, which are all available here. The guide is a living document, and one that the authors aim to strengthen and improve over time. Colleagues are welcome to share any comments, suggestions, or feedback on how the guide can be strengthened here.
To read the document and access all of the materials, please visit the DC CFAR Website.
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USCHA 2023 Workshops Featuring the DC CFAR | |
USCHA 2023 is right around the corner (September 5-9, 2023), and we wanted to spotlight some workshops and exhibits being held that may be of interest to the DC CFAR network:
- Thurs. September 7 & Fri. September 8: National CFAR CAB Coalition (NC3) Poster during Poster Sessions
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Fri. September 8: The D.C. CFAR’s Framework for Equitable Academic-Community Partnerships in HIV Research – focused on this guide is written for both academic researchers and community members in the DC CFAR.
The Exhibit Hall will feature a booth for the Georgetown MWCCS & STAR (Tues, Sept 5th – Thur. Sept 7th, Daily (10-5) - everyone is welcome. DC CFAR investigators are welcome to visit the booth and share information about any research/recruitment needs, etc. The booth will have other recruitment flyers, swag, etc. as well.
Are you presenting during the upcoming 2023 US Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA)?
Please let us know if you have had an abstract accepted. We would like to share this good news with your fellow DC CFAR investigators, including those who will also participate in USCHA 2023.
Please send the name of the presenting author and the title of the accepted abstract to cfarindc@gmail.com.
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DC CFAR Developmental Core Virtual Grant Writing Workshop, September 8, 2023 from
8:30 am - 4:30 pm ET
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Please save the date for the DC Center for AIDS Research Developmental Core one-day virtual grant writing workshop on Friday, September 8, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
The Grant Training Center has designed a comprehensive day to assist you with writing and designing winning NIH proposals. The workshop will include activities and discussions around grant writing concepts, developing an application, writing specific aims, and more. The final agenda is forthcoming.
Space is limited for the workshop. Priority will be given to early-stage investigators, investigators who plan to apply for the upcoming DC CFAR pilot award cycle (for additional details on the Fall 2023 Traditional Pilot Awards, please review the RFA here), and DC CFAR Community Partnership Council members.
Please make sure to register below for additional details including the Zoom information. (Questions? Please contact Lorena Segarra, Senior Research Program Manager, at lsegarra@gwu.edu.)
Register Here
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Do you have an event you would like to see included in the next edition of the Community Spotlight? We invite any news or updates from the DC CFAR community and encourage you to send information that may be of interest to CFARinDC@gmail.com. | |
WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, & CONFERENCES | |
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United States Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) – "A Love Letter to Black Women"
September 6-9, 2023
Washington, DC
Johns Hopkins Center for AIDS Research Annual Meeting
September 15, 2023
The 78th Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA)
September 20, 2023
Charleston, WV (Hybrid)
First Annual Maryland HIV and Aging Summit (Maryland Coalition on HIV & Aging)
October 13, 2023
Baltimore, MD
14th International Workshop on HIV and Aging 2023 - (Registration and Call for Abstracts)
October 26-27, 2023
Washington, DC
CROI: Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections 2024 (Abstract Submission here)
March 3-6, 2024
Denver, CO
Save the Date – National 2024 Ryan White Conference on HIV & Treatment (AIDSWatch)
March 17-19, 2024
Washington, DC
2024 National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment
August 20-23, 2024
For more DC CFAR events please see the calendar here.
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FUNDING, TRAINING AND MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES
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Call for Abstracts: 2023 Inter-CFAR Women and HIV Symposium - Women and HIV across the Lifespan
The goal of the Inter-CFAR Women and HIV Symposium is to identify gaps in knowledge in HIV and women’s research and develop strategies that will move the field forward. In order to accomplish this goal, we aim to generate collaborative activity between CFARs and other research networks, highlighting cutting-edge science and promoting opportunities for early career investigators.Submit your abstract here. Questions can be directed to Lauren Sterling (lauren.sterling@ucsf.edu).
"Race, Health, and Inequality: The Roots of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Washington DC" Presentation hosted by the Center for Health, Risk, and Society at American University
"Please join the Center on Health, Risk, and Society (CHRS) in launching our 2023-2024 weekly speaker series. Presentation by Sanyu A. Mojola, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, the Maurice P During Professor of Demographic Studies, and the Director of the Office of Population Research at Princeton University."
DC CFAR Social Behavioral Sciences Core Virtual Writing Retreats (Zoom Link)
Writing Retreats will be held via Zoom on the third Friday of each month from 12 pm to 2 pm. Please be on the lookout for a recurring calendar invite which includes the zoom information so that you can hold that space in your monthly calendar.SBS Core Writing Retreats are open to all CFAR investigators and community members. Have any questions or concerns? Please reach out to Wendy Davis (wendywdavis@gwu.edu) or Allison O’Rourke (orourkea@gwu.edu).
Hybrid Experimental Designs for Optimizing Behavioral Interventions
"Join the R3EDI Hub and Dr. Inbal Billie Nahum-Shani, Research Professor at the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan for a virtual seminar on Hybrid Experimental Designs for Optimizing Behavioral Interventions. Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2023. For Zoom link and any other questions, please contact Alane Kelly at alane.kelly@yale.edu"
ADVANCE Predoctoral T32 Training Program to Promote Diversity in Health Disparities Research, Preventive Interventions, and Methodology (T32, Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) and participating Institutes, Centers, and Offices are inviting applications to develop T32 programs to train predoctoral scholars from diverse backgrounds in all three of the following areas: Health disparities/health equity research, Development and implementation of multi-level preventive interventions, and Methods for the design and analysis of studies to evaluate multi-level preventive interventions. See full announcement here.
NOSI – Promoting implementation research to address HIV-associated comorbidities and risk factors within well-established cohorts (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has posted a funding opportunity to support dissemination and implementation (D&I) research proposals leveraging well-established cohorts of people living with HIV (PLWH) to increase the acceptability, feasibility, implementation, scale-up, scale-out, and sustainability of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) that target comorbid conditions and diseases.
NOSI on Implementation Science to Advance the United States HIV Prevention and Treatment Goals and the Global HIV Prevention and Treatment Targets
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is issuing a NOSI focused on implementation research, for applications designed in partnership with domestic and global service providers to advance HIV prevention and treatment goals (domestically) or targets (globally).
NOSI: Mental Health Comorbidities in HIV Prevention and Treatment
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is issuing a NOSI focused on understanding and addressing the impact of mental health comorbidities, including mental health disorders, violence, and trauma, on HIV prevention and treatment outcomes.
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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES, NEWS, AND RESOURCES
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COVID-19 Treatment Study at Whitman Walker Institute
The SCORPIO-HR Study is a clinical research study looking at an investigational drug for COVID-19
in people who have tested positive and whether it: helps resolve COVID-19 symptoms faster; can reduce symptoms that persist for several months (called “long COVID”). MUST HAVE TESTED POSITIVE IN THE LAST 72 HOURS TO PARTICIPATE. See more here.
Become A Member of the Us Helping Us Community Advisory Board
"Are you passionate about making a positive impact in our community? Do you have a keen interest in contributing your ideas, insights, and expertise to drive meaningful change? We invite you to become a valued member of our Community Advisory Board! Please submit your application by August 31, 2023. Your application should include: A brief introduction and your motivation to join the board; Your relevant experience, skills, or expertise; Ideas or areas of focus you believe are important for our community.
Your availability for board meetings and potential contributions. Please email your application to cab@uhupil.org with the subject line 'Community Advisory Board Application - [Your Name].'"
Faculty Position (Tenure Track) at Emory University, Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences
"The Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences (BSHES), Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, seeks scholars for faculty appointments at all academic ranks, in tenure-track and research-track positions. Multiple appointments are anticipated."
See full description and application details here.
Various Open Positions at DC CFAR Member Institution, Us Helping US, in DC
Please see the attached listing to see the various staff positions available at Us Helping Us. Hiring a Research Manager, Research Study Coordinator, and a Research Assistant. The job descriptions are listed here. Interested applicants can send their application to dhickson@uhupil.org and aogunbajo@uhupil.org ASAP. Please see the listing for more information.
Gilead Research Scholars Program
The Research Scholars Program supports innovative research from emerging investigators around the world to incorporate new perspectives in our pursuit of scientific understanding and progress. For more information, please contact Dr. Christine Durand. Deadline: September 16, 2023, 11:59 PM, PT
Apply here.
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NIH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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Engaging Survivors of Sexual Violence and Trafficking in HIV and Substance Use Disorder Services (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-DA-25-018
Posting Date: August 21, 2023
Opening Date: July 5, 2024
Close Date: August 2024
Addressing HIV in Highest Risk Sexual and Gender Minorities (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-DA-25-001
Posting Date: July 31, 2023
Opening Date: July 14, 2024
Close Date: August 14, 2024
Addressing HIV in highest risk sexual and gender minorities (R34 Clinical Trial Required)
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-OD-23-018
Posting Date: July 31, 2023
Opening Date: July 14, 2024
Close Date: August 14, 2024
HIV/AIDS Scholars Using Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Models Program (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-22-248 (Reissue)
Posting Date: June 27, 2023
Opening Date: August 13, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: PA-23-189
Posting Date: June 29, 2023
Opening Date: Various – See announcement
Close Date: Various – See announcement
NIAID New Innovators Awards (DP2 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-23-198 (Reissue)
Posting Date: June 2, 2023
Opening Date: September 13, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): HIV Cure-Related Research in Diverse Populations
Funding Opportunity Number: NOT-AI-23-046
Posting Date: June 23, 2023
Open Date: September 16, 2023
Close Date: Various – See announcement
Click here for additional funding opportunities available from the National Institutes of Health.
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The DC CFAR is an NIH funded program (P30AI117970), which is supported by the following NIH Co-Funding and Participating Institutes and Centers: NIAID, NCI, NICHD, NIDCR, NHLBI, NIDA, NIMH, NIA, NIDDK, NINR, NIMHD, FIC, and OAR. The content isthe responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. | | |
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