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Center for AIDS Research Heersink School of Medicine

  • Community

    For decades, UAB CFAR has partnered with community organizations throughout Alabama as the gatekeepers to the people our research aims to serve and the leadership that facilitates research studies. We approach each partnership with the goal of building and strengthening trust and forging a relationship to stand the test of time.

    CFAR Community Coalition

    Led by Ms. Harriette Reed-Pickens, the Coalition aims to unite community partners and CFAR investigators for HIV research through bi-directional communication. Formed in 2022-2023, it replaces the community advisory board. The objective is to support HIV-related research and engage the community to build a bridge between researchers and community members, ensuring all voices are heard in the fight to End the HIV Epidemic.

    The CFAR Community Coalition is housed within the CFAR Administrative Core, consisting of fourteen community organizations across the state of Alabama. We meet regularly to develop and sponsor activities that engage community-based organizations, administrative service organizations, people with HIV, and CFAR investigators to share best practices for conducting research and conduct trainings. Our Community Coalition has been instrumental in providing research guidance to CFAR investigators and maximizing opportunities for community-engaged research by providing the following support:
    -Letters of support for grant applications 
    -Feedback on community-based research proposals 
    -Consultation services to develop community-based research ideas
    -Connecting researchers with the community and/or community-based organizations
    -Educational sessions, including serving on panels or as experts and as focus groups for projects

    To engage the CFAR Community Coalition, contact Ms. Reed-Pickens to submit a service request form.

     

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    Contact

    Harriette Reed PickensHarriette_Reed-Pickens.jpg
    hrpickens@uabmc.edu

     

  • Community Pilot Awards

    Community pilot grants offer seed funding to Alabama-based Community-Based Organizations, promoting innovative, community-centered approaches to combat the local HIV epidemic and enhance health outcomes. This funding facilitates collaboration between community partners and CFAR investigators, fostering relationships for future scientific endeavors. Each community applicant is connected with a CFAR Core investigator for guidance on concept development, implementation, and evaluation.

    Contact: Alyssa Carodine

    More information

  • Key HIV Partners in State

    UAB CFAR collaborates with Alabama community organizations, key to reaching our research goals. These partnerships facilitate recruitment, prioritize research questions, and enhance our strategic approach. In our recent planning, we recognized the need for authentic collaboration, emphasizing deepening existing and forging new relationships with the HIV community and care organizations. Our partnering organizations include:

    Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Magic City Research Institute
    Addiction Prevention Coalition
    AIDS Alabama
    AIDS Alabama South
    Firehouse Ministries
    Five Horizons Health Services, Tuscaloosa
    Five Horizons Health Services, Montgomery
    Franklin Primary Health Center
    Health Services Center
    Selma AIR, Inc.
    Thrive Alabama
    Unity Wellness
    Whatley Health Services
    Alabama Department of Public Health
    Jefferson County Department of Health
    Mobile County Health Department

    Contact: Donna Porter Crawford