About Us

The Community Advisory Board

What is a Community Advisory Board?

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is the representative and the voice of the community in HIV/AIDS clinical trials. Its mission is to provide an opportunity for those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic to contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of research protocols conducted within the Beth Israel AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (ACTU).

What is the role of the CAB in HIV/AIDS Research?

The primary role of the CAB is to integrate community involvement into the clinical trials process in order to advance HIV/AIDS research.

The CAB also educates the public about the importance of the participation of all communities in clinical trials. In these various roles, the CAB:

• Represents the interests and concerns of all communities affected by HIV/AIDS
• Educates the community on how to access clinical trials
• Initiates and participates in community forums on issues related to HIV/AIDS 
• Assists in ACTU outreach efforts

Can I be a member?

Anyone may participate in the CAB regardless of his or her HIV status or educational background. We encourage the participation of all communities so that the CAB’s diversity reflects the diversity of those who live in New York City, and especially those who are served by Beth Israel Medical Center and its AIDS Clinical Trials Unit.

Members do not need to have any special education in science or medicine to be an effective contributor to the CAB, but a member should:

• Have an interest in or connection to Beth Israel’s AIDS Clinical Trials Unit
• Know or be willing to learn the basics of the treatment of HIV/AIDS
• Have a desire to share important health information with those around them
• Be able to advocate for the increased enrollment of traditionally under-represented populations into clinical research
• Be willing to attend meetings regularly
• Agree to be bound by standard confidentiality regulations
  

When Does the CAB Meet?

The AIDS Clinical Trials Unit CAB meets in the evenings on the second Wednesday of each month.

Meetings generally last about 2 hours, and a light dinner and Metrocards are available to all who are present. To attend a meeting, we encourage you to call to confirm the date, time, and location.

Download the Community Advisory Board Brochure (pdf)

Call toll-free: 800.483.7339