Bringing CROI Back to Los Angeles

Gerald Garth

As a community educator, 2014 AAHU fellow, and Black AIDS Institute staff, I wore several hats at the 2015 Conference on Retroviruses and Other Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Yet with multiple roles during my time at CROI, it was important that I not lose sight of the importance and individuality of each of those capacities. First, as a scholarship recipient, I realized the importance of maximizing on the opportunities afforded to me. We know how much science and treatment literacy play into the long-term education and success of at-risk communities, so, for me, being able to take cutting-edge information from and relay it to Black communities in Los Angeles is key. Presentation findings on such topics as PrEP on Demand and
updates from advances in clinical trials are very relevant to Black communities and being able to relay these subjects is necessary for communities to make informed decisions.

Also at CROI, I looked for ways to promote and network for the Black Treatment Advocates Network and the Black AIDS Institute. As staff liaison and active BTAN member, it is important that I can speak to what BTAN Los Angeles is doing and plans to see happen. Being able to connect with researchers, clinicians, and fellow advocates based in Los Angeles and beyond, not only strengthen BTAN LA, but the
Network nationally. What's more, as an active chapter and staff member, I was able to connect individuals to work that is happening in their own BTAN cities and if not,
begin communication about how new cities can get involved. Having this opportunity at CROI also strengthened my communication and presentation skills having chances to speak with individuals ranging from top researchers to peer advocates.

At CROI, there were a number of opportunities to speak to other work and programs of the Black AIDS Institute. As a current AAHU fellow, I was able speak to, not only what the program entails, but my current work, including internships, trainings, and recruitment. As staff, I also served as a liaison for potential and future fellows assisting with application questions, expectations, and so forth.

One of the latest initiatives is the release of "When We Know Better, We Do Better," the Black AIDS Institute's report to the findings of a national HIV workforce survey ranging from 2012-2014. The survey asked questions ranging from basic HIV science to biomedical interventions. The report has served as a call to action, noting many opportunities for workforce training. Being able to speak to #KnowBetterDoBetter in an international setting continued to push forward opportunities of building capacity throughout the United States and beyond.

Even beyond my work in multiple capacities, I am grateful for the opportunity for my own personal development. Being chosen to serve my community and my organizations remind me of my own leadership and development. As a leader, in any respect, one should have his own sense of drive and progress, and being chosen to attend CROI, this has been reinforced by AVAC and the Black AIDS Institute.