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 In an exciting new development
for participatory HIV research in New York City, the HIV
Center's Community Collaboration
Core (CCC) has launched a new "HIV Action Research
Network." Initiated by CCC Co-Director
Bruce Rapkin,
the new network seeks to create an infrastructure for research
partnerships among community-based organizations (CBOs),
government agencies, and academic researchers. The goal
is to conduct collaborative research that will inform mental
health services science, service delivery, program dissemination
and implementation, and mental health policy.
Along with Rapkin, CCC Director
Robert Remien,
Co-Director Joyce
Hunter, Core Member
David Lounsbury,
and Core Coordinator Janice Baer inaugurated the Network
as part of the the CCC's third annual conference in August
2006. Two major follow-up meetings were held in January
2007 hosted by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Community Center, thanks to support from Barbara Warren,
Director of Operations at the LGBT Center.
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Thus far, nearly fifty participants from over two dozen
organizations have joined together to identify key emerging
issues that require research, promote collaboration across
CBOs, develop sustainable partnerships with researchers,
and securing funding for the operation of the Network.
A crucial emerging theme identified by the group is the
changing nature of HIV testing, including the use of rapid
testing technologies and policies designed to make HIV
testing a part of routine primary care.
As the HIV Action Research Network gains momentum, goals
for the future include coordination of information related
to surveillance, use of information technology, methods
of evaluation, dissemination of "best practices," and the
use of practice-based evidence. The Network is also seeking
new members and additional opportunities for collaboration.
For further information about how your organization can
become involved, please contact Joyce Hunter at
hunterjccc@aol.com.
The HIV Center E-Newsletter will continue to keep you informed
about this significant new development.
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