HANC Newsletter | February 2024
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The Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC) is located at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. We acknowledge the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Duwamish, Puyallup, Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.
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'Engage, Educate, Empower': NBHAAD 2024 Theme Highlights Unity in Ending HIV/AIDS in Black Communities
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This February 7th, join HANC in recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). You can get involved in NBHAAD by:
+ Sharing information aimed at reducing HIV stigma and promoting HIV testing, prevention, and treatment for Black/African American people.
+ Raising awareness on social media with the #NBHAAD hashtag and sharing resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention digital toolkit.
+ Joining the NBHAAD webinar (February 7) featuring speakers from My Brother’s Keeper, CDC, Us Helping Us, and Let’s Stop HIV Together. Register here
!
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TB Vax 101: Explore the Future of Tuberculosis Vaccines in Upcoming HANC Webinar
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Join the 'Introduction to Tuberculosis Vaccines: TB Vax 101' webinar, presented by HANC and the Tuberculosis Trials Consortium Community Research Advisors Group. The session, led by Mike Frick from Treatment Action Group (TAG), will delve into various TB vaccine types in development, the strategies behind their development, and the current TB vaccine pipeline. It will also emphasize the role of community engagement in TB vaccine development.
Save the date: February 22, 2024, at 8 AM PT/11 AM ET/6 PM SAST. For more information, click here.
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ACTG Representatives Reflect on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2024
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February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), which was first observed in 1999. This observance is a day to acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people. While commendable strides have been made, persistent issues like racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the healthcare system remain barriers to Black individuals seeking and receiving vital HIV prevention services. These challenges also hinder engagement in treatment and care. NBHAAD emerges as a crucial opportunity to amplify HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment within Black communities.
This year’s theme is "Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities."
Engage: Let's ignite conversations about involving the Black community in robust HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. This calls for innovative outreach programs, strategic community partnerships, and leveraging local leaders and influencers to champion HIV testing, breaking down barriers and destigmatizing conversations around HIV/AIDS.
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Orbit Clanton (pictured right), former GCAB co-chair, shared his vision for engagement: “Engagement is the first step towards change. The Black community needs to be actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. This can be achieved through outreach programs, community partnerships, and by utilizing local leaders and stakeholders to promote HIV testing and destigmatize the conversation around HIV/AIDS. I’ve seen firsthand how ACTG can advance this work by fostering partnerships with local organizations and influencers within the Black community."
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Educate: Efforts should illuminate the path forward by enhancing HIV/AIDS education among Black communities. They should facilitate navigation through the latest research, treatment options, and understanding of preventive medications. It's about dispelling myths that fuel stigma and discrimination, paving the way for a more informed and empowered community. On the topic of education, Nancie Archin, Ph.D. (pictured below) , shared:
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“Improving HIV/AIDS education among Black youth and adults at a local level is important, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, establishing outreach programs for youths in rural areas will require a different approach than for youths in urban settings. Both geographical restrictions and societal norms, for instance, may impact exposure of youths and adults to PrEP and PEP in rural areas. ACTG could support studies that focus on developing educational programs tailored for such areas, studies that specifically take into consideration the different local restrictions.”
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Empower: Unleash the strength of success stories and effective strategies that have empowered Black individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Empowerment takes shape through advocacy, policy change, improved access to care, and the nurturing of robust support systems.
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CAB member Felton Thomas (pictured right) defined empowerment within the Black community: "Empowerment arises from the comfort of inclusion and understanding. Listening to personal stories and experiences creates a tapestry of empowerment within communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Whether it's breaking stereotypes or addressing concerns, empowerment is the result of building rapport and fostering an environment where individuals feel heard and supported. It's not just about providing information; it's about instilling strength and resilience within each narrative."
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This NBHAAD, let us stand united, armed with knowledge, understanding, and a collective determination to break down the barriers that perpetuate the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black communities. Let's unite in promoting engagement, education, and empowerment, striving for a future where HIV/AIDS no longer holds sway.
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HVTN Scientific Leadership Development: Meet the 2024 Awardees
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The ongoing mission of the HVTN’s Scientific Leadership Development (SLD) program is to identify emerging scientific leaders in the field and commit resources to their professional development. The overall goal is to expand the pool of diverse scientists within HVTN who are able to successfully provide scientific leadership for HIV vaccine clinical trials around the world.
The 3rd cohort of SLD awardees has been selected for a year-long mentored project starting in 2024. Please join the HVTN in congratulating these emerging leaders.
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HVTN Full Group Meeting: Join In-Person or Virtually from May 1-3, 2024
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Preparations are currently in progress for the upcoming HVTN Full Group Meeting scheduled for May 1st-3rd at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. We are excited to announce that virtual options will again be available for remote participation in the FGM.
Whether you plan to attend in person or virtually, we kindly request you to register at the following link: https://helpendhiv.wufoo.com/forms/s1uz9zzy1e77hv2/. Registration closes April 19, 2024. Active participation is crucial to the success of this event! We look forward to your involvement in making this meeting a valuable and collaborative experience.
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HVTN Gears Up for Biomedical HIV Summit and AIDS 2024 Conference Participation
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In addition to preparing to host our own meeting, the HVTN is gearing up for participation in two upcoming conferences: the Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit in Seattle (April 2024) and the AIDS 2024 conference in Munich (July 2024). We look forward to interacting with communities and scientific colleagues at these meetings!
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HPTN 096: Building Partnerships to Implement Peer Support
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Above: From left, Kameron Jacobs, Martine Harrington Powell, Sherri Johnson, Tracy Lyons, HPTN; Darren Whitfield, HPTN 096 Peer Support Co-Lead; DeAnne Turner, HPTN 096 Peer Support Co-Lead; Lesly McIntyre, MPU, Lead Peer Supporter; Emma McDaniel-Ellis, MPU, Educational Outreach Director; Meta Ellis, MPU Executive Director; Margeaux Hartline, MPU Administrative Assistant; Marco Mays, MPU Peer Support Program Director).
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Announcing the 2024 IMPAACT Early Career Investigators
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From left, Dr. Nyarai Soko, Dr. Patience Atuhaire, Dr. Violet Korutaro, Dr. Chikondi Malamba-Banda.
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The IMPAACT Network is pleased to announce the recipients of the Early Career Investigators Award program. These four researchers will complete a project using data or samples generated by IMPAACT Network studies:
+ Dr. Nyarai Soko, Harare Institute of Technology
+ Dr. Patience Atuhaire, MU-JHU Research Collaboration
+ Dr. Violet Korutaro, Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation – Uganda
+ Dr. Chikondi Malamba-Banda, UNC Project Malawi
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Looking Ahead to IMPAACT at CROI 2024
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Once the embargo has been lifted and the conference has concluded, presentations and posters will be available on the IMPAACT website.
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Behavioral and Social Sciences
Greg Davis, HANC Project Manager
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Behavioral Science Consultative Group: The Behavioral Science Consultative Group is selecting a date to hold a face-to-face meeting. The BSCG typically meets in the Spring, but it was unable to determine a date that worked.
Financial Disclosure Working Group: The Financial Disclosure WG will hold its first meeting of 2024 in February. The group will discuss the timeline for the 2024 solicitation.
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Community Coordination
Greg Davis
HANC Project Manager
Russell Campbell
HANC Director
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Community Partners: Community Partners (CP) updated the CP Organizational Guidelines to reflect organizational changes made while finalizing the 2024 Work Plan. CP is considering hosting its face-to-face meeting in September in the Washington DC area. It hopes to finalize the dates soon. CP also formed an ad-hoc Webinar Working Group to prioritize and schedule webinars for 2024. The group will hold its first meeting in February.
TB Vaccine Community Engagement Strategy WG: The TB Vaccine Community Engagement Strategy WG has been working hard to finalize the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for TB Research document. It also has developed a TB prevention toolbox graphic that is close to being finalized. Both documents are planned to be released on February 22, 2024.
Webinar Announcement:
HANC and the Tuberculosis Trials Consortium Community Research Advisors Group will also host a webinar titled Introduction to Tuberculosis Vaccines: TB Vax 101 with Mike Frick, a co-director of the TB Program at Treatment Action Group (TAG). The webinar will focus on the types of TB vaccines under development, TB vaccine development strategies, the TB vaccine pipeline, community engagement around TB vaccines, and other items.
Webinar date/time: February 22, 2024 at 8am PT/11am ET/6pm SAST.
LINK: https://zoom.us/j/97991564184?pwd=RUFSVjdoWmZLUTNmZHduQ0QvQ0E0QT09
Registration is NOT required. Click here for more details.
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Cross-Network Coordination
Kathleen Pescasio, HANC Cross-Network Project Manager
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The Cross-Network Site Coordinators Working Group (SCWG) discussed recent experiences with monitoring visits and shared feedback on the SCORE Manual. The group is also having discussions on how to identify and address site-level issues.
The Cross-Network Data Management Center Working Group (DMCWG) continues to discuss recent experiences with changes to survey software tools and study enrollment systems.
The Communications Working Group (CWG) shared network engagements at the HVTN Conference and IMPAACT Annual meeting in October, and shared plans for upcoming conferences. The group continues to discuss experiences with graphic design and other communications tools.
The Subject Matter Research Consultants Working Group (SMRCWG) continues to discuss potential compensation models for community members who serve on protocol teams, scientific sub-committees, and special leadership positions.
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Laboratory Coordination
Tyler Brown, HANC Laboratory Project Manager
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+ ACTG/IMPAACT Guidelines for Shipping & Receiving Biological Substance - Category B Specimens
+ ACTG/IMPAACT Specimen Shipment Notice
+ ACTG/IMPAACT Shipment Checklist
The Lab Technologists SOP Working Group met in January to continue drafting a new SOP for whole blood collection, processing, and storage in PAXgene® Blood RNA tubes.
In January, the Lab Focus Group (LFG) met to discuss the site requirements for archiving Trial Master File (TMF) contents; standards for laboratory tests for kidney function and the forthcoming release of the
Primary Network Laboratory Assignments List, anticipated for publication in February.
The CPQA Advisory Board (CPQAAB) met in January to review and solicit member feedback on the latest CPQA Program activities. This included a discussion on the CPQA's Tuberculosis (TB) Quality Assurance Initiative, which was initiated in 2023. During the meeting Dr. Troy Wood delivered a presentation highlighting the CPQA's advancements in developing a mass spectrometry assay for measuring HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies.
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The Legacy Project
Brian Minalga, HANC Deputy Director
Gabriella Olague, HANC Project Coordinator
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1/29/2024: The WHRC successfully submitted an abstract titled “Fertility Concerns as Barriers to PrEP Use Among Cisgender Women” to the Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit. We are looking forward to seeing which abstracts are accepted!
Three Legacy Project (LP) working groups are being revamped in 2024, if you are interested in hearing more or joining our American Indian/Alaska Native Working Group, Addictophobia Working Group or Minority Serving Institutions Working Group please reach out to our LP Project Coordinator, Gabriella Olague, at golague@fredhutch.org.
The
HANC team is expanding! With some additional staff, we are excited to have the staffing to reinstate and revamp three Legacy Project working groups. The American Indian and Alaska Native Working group met for the first time in 2024 this January and began drafting a new work plan with goals to increase the representation of American Indian and Alaska Native people in HIV clinical trials. The Minority Serving Institutions Working Group and the Addictophobia working groups will be meeting for the first time in February, where we will establish a working plan and objectives for 2024. As these groups are in the beginning phases of re-engagement, we are looking for community members, medical staff, researchers, project managers, etc. who may be interested in joining one of these groups. If you are interested in learning more please reach out to our Legacy Project Project Coordinator,
Gabriella Olague, at golague@fredhutch.org.
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Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit (Seattle, USA)
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HVTN Annual Network Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
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ACTG Annual Network Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
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HPTN Annual Network Meeting (Washington DC, USA)
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IMPAACT Annual Network Meeting (Arlington, USA)
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