The Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America is an ambitious federal initiative aimed at reducing new HIV incidence by 90 percent by 2030. To achieve this goal and address the ongoing public health crisis of HIV, the initiative is initially targeting 48 counties, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico because they represent over half of new HIV infections and seven states with high rural burdens. The key components of the initiative are to increase HIV screening and earlier diagnosis; increase access to treatment; expand access to prevention with a focus on PrEP and identify and respond to HIV clusters. The target jurisdictions will be implementing plans responsive to their local epidemic. The involvement of clinicians and researchers in the development and implementation of local plans will be important to the initiative’s success.
Purpose
To strengthen HIVMA’s response to the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, including supporting the engagement of members locally in efforts to reduce new HIV infections by 75% in the next five years, and by 90% before 2030.
To assist HIVMA with advancing it advocacy priorities related to the initiative, including increasing federal resources to HIV prevention programs; increasing meaningful engagement with the HIV community, including clinicians; improving access to healthcare coverage and healthcare; protecting Medicaid from cuts; ensuring a robust clinical workforce; and addressing stigma, discrimination and other social determinants of health.
Responsibilities
- Shape HIVMA’s policy positions and advocacy related to the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.
- Conduct outreach to local HIV/ID clinicians and researchers to share resources, action alerts and encourage them to get involved locally.
- Inform HIVMA of key opportunities and challenges related to the initiative at the local level.
- Offer recommendations for how HIVMA can support members in engaging at the local level.
Ideal Qualifications
- A commitment to, and interest in the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.
- Engagement in local HIV advocacy.
- Ability and willingness to serve as a local ambassador for HIVMA’s Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative with colleagues and local partners.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Number of Members
Up to 15 members
Composition
Working group members will be recruited from the HIVMA membership. Members working in the initiative’s targeted jurisdictions, which includes 48 counties, Washington, D.C., San Juan, Puerto Rico, and 7 states that have a substantial rural HIV burden, are encouraged to apply. Membership will not be limited to these jurisdictions. The working group will seek to represent the diversity of HIV clinicians and researchers practicing on the frontlines of the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and the populations that they serve.
Members of the HIVMA Board of Directors also will participate on the working group as liaisons to the Board of Directors.
Estimated Time Commitment
Three to four hours per month. Additional time commitments will be based on the availability of working group members to support special projects or advocacy activities.
Method of Appointment
Volunteers will be solicited from HIVMA membership and selected by the HIVMA Chair and Chair-elect in consultation with the HIVMA staff liaisons.
Term of Office
This is a time-limited working group. Terms will be for the duration of the working group or the availability of the members to participate. Members will be asked to make at least a one-year commitment with the opportunity to be reappointed.
Accountability
Reports to the HIVMA Board of Directors.
Staff Liaison
HIVMA Executive Director, HIVMA Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager.