June 8, 2020 - Executive Committee Leadership Response to Current Events

Dear Colleagues,

This is a critical moment in history for many reasons. The recent pandemic and horrific, inexcusable violence have further highlighted the disparities that have ruptured our social contract. This is central to so much of the work we do in HIV prevention and treatment research, but we must do more. We must do more than address the proximal causes and consequences of disease and racism, in our work and in our daily lives. The protests and pandemics are testing and disrupting the status quo in ways that could create opportunities for real and lasting structural changes toward ending the HIV epidemic and the disparities rooted in racism and intergenerational trauma. Yet the consequences are already serious and laying bare again the structural racism and inequalities that permeate our society, communities, workplaces and daily lives. Despite all this, we continue to be enlightened and uplifted by the voices and actions of young people.

We recognize that many of you may be experiencing anxiety and trauma. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us individually, and we have some resources we could share with you upon request. We are here for you. 

Sylvie Naar

Chair of the ATN Executive Committee
Sylvie.Naar@med.fsu.edu

Dallas Swendeman

Vice Chair of the ATN Executive Committee
DSwendeman@mednet.ucla.edu