Welcome, BTAN Charlotte!

Ophelia E. Garmon-Brown, M.D., M.Div., Vice President, Business and Community Partnerships, Novant Health

The latest chapter of the Black Treatment Advocates Network (BTAN) is geared up for success. BTAN Charlotte in North Carolina had its official launch and three-day training July 15-17, 2015, with representatives from partnering organizations, including the Mecklenburg County Health Department, Carolinas Care Partnership, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, Novant Health and BTAN Charlotte's host agency, PowerHouse Project, a drop-in center and safe space for Black and Latino MSM.

BTAN is the only collaboration that links Black Americans who have HIV with care and treatment, strengthens local and national leadership, connects influential peers, increases HIV science and literacy in Black communities, and cultivates and supports a national network.

Black AIDS Institute board Chair Grazell Howard is excited to have BTAN in her city. "I've fought for this!" she says. "I've been connected to the Institute for a long time; [Black AIDS Institute President and CEO] Phill Wilson knows that I've been pushing for BTAN presence here for nearly just as long!"

To introduce BTAN Charlotte to the community, the chapter had its welcome reception in the heart of downtown at the New Gallery of Modern Art. "I'm so glad to be able to," said Irina Toshkova, the gallery's director, when asked how she felt about collaborating with BTAN by hosting it at her venue.

Ophelia E. Garmon-Brown, M.D., vice president of community and business partnerships for Novant Health, also realizes the importance of BTAN Charlotte. "We see what's happening in our city and our county," she says. "Of course we are making efforts to address the local epidemic, but just like any effort, it is made stronger through partnership; this is why we are so thrilled to have BTAN."

"How can I help?" Mecklenburg County Health Director Marcus Plescia, M.D., MPH, said during a very engaging community conversation with Charlotte leaders in HIV. "There is some real opportunity to support, and where those opportunities are, I want to support.

With strong advocates and collaborators, BTAN Charlotte is uniquely positioned to influence and change the trajectory of the region's HIV epidemic by developing a strategic action plan that responds to the HIV/AIDS science, treatment, policy and advocacy needs of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

For more information about BTAN Charlotte or to find out how to get involved with your local BTAN, visit blackaids.org.

Gerald Garth is a Los Angeles-based writer, actor and publicist who works for the Black AIDS Institute.