What We’re Reading: African-Americans and HIV, The Psychology of HIV/AIDS, and Blood Transfusions

Posted by Jane Coaston
Washington, D.C.
February 8, 2013

Tennis champion Arthur Ashe with his family
in 1992. The first African-American man to win
Wimbledon, he was infected with HIV during
surgery in 1993. He became an advocate for
people living with HIV before dying of pneumonia
in 1993. Today, his family continues his work.
(Photo: Sports Illustrated) .

This week, we’re learning about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the psychological needs of children with HIV, and how men living with HIV can have HIV-negative children.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Remember and Reflect

Posted by Jane Coaston
Washington, D.C.
February 7, 2013

Hydeia Broadbent and Magic Johnson at a
Nickelodeon television special on HIV/AIDS in
1992. (Photo: CNN)

Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the United States, an opportunity for us to remember those we have lost to AIDS, and a chance to think about what we can do to welcome “the beginning of the end of AIDS.”

Foundation Recognized for Smart Charity Practices

Posted by Jane Coaston
Washington, D.C.
February 6, 2013

Each year, Charity Navigator, America’s largest and best charity evaluator, rates the country’s nonprofit organizations. And for the fifth consecutive year, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has received a four-star rating – the highest possible ranking.

Putting Children’s Psychology First

Posted by Jane Coaston
Washington, D.C.
February 5, 2013

Sharon Nichols, PhD, whose ground-breaking
work focuses on the psychological needs of
children living with HIV. (Photo: Sharon Nichols)

Sharon Nichols, PhD works in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. She has over 20 years of experience working with children living with HIV, with a focus on the cognitive and behavioral functioning of children living with HIV who took part in clinical trials for new medications. She also serves in the Behavioral Leadership Group of the Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Research. She took some time to sit down with us and talk about her work and the psychological challenges children and young people living with HIV face.

Black History Month - An Advocate Since Birth

Posted by Jane Coaston
Washington, D.C.
February 4, 2013

Hydeia Broadbent, a champion for young people
living with HIV/AIDS. (Photo: Hydeia Broadbent)

As we celebrate Black History Month, we're honoring African-Americans who are taking part in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This week, we're meeting Hydeia Broadbent, an advocate for children and young people living with HIV. Born with HIV, Hydeia worked closely with Elizabeth Glaser and spoke out about her HIV status. Now 27, Hydeia continues to work for the rights and needs of people living with HIV. I recently spoke with her about her story and her message for young people.

What We’re Reading: Vaccine Research, Refocusing in the New Year, and New Funds for the Global Fund

Posted by Jane Coaston
Washington, D.C.
February 1, 2013

A prevention-of-mother-to-child transmission
(PMTCT) training in Malawi, where EGPAF has
provided over 600,000 women with PMTCT
services. (Photo: James Pursey/EGPAF)

This week, we’re learning about a researcher who is investigating new techniques for a possible HIV vaccine, reading about a Foundation Ambassador’s recommitment to an AIDS-free generation, and thinking about how new funds for the Global Fund could affect the war on AIDS.