On World AIDS Day, I am thrilled to announce that the Department of Health and Human Services has published a notice in the Federal Register inviting nominations of members to serve on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). The announcement follows President Trump’s September Executive Order that continued PACHA and a number of other advisory bodies until September 30, 2019. 

The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) is a federal advisory committee that provides information, advice, and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding programs, policies, and research to promote effective treatment, prevention, and cure of HIV disease and AIDS. It is common practice for the federal government to seek input from external stakeholders and experts in order to improve our ability to better serve the American people. President Reagan established the first advisory group that addressed HIV and AIDS-related issues. Since that time, what the group is called and the specifics of how they work has changed, but the focus of their work remains the same. PACHA plays a critical role in assessing the government’s response to HIIV, addressing gaps or emerging issues, and best practices, solutions, and research advances that can make our efforts more efficient, effective, and able to save the lives of more Americans. 

Across the nation and around the globe, we have made important progress in the fight against HIV but our work is not done. Recent Council efforts have focused on the impact of the opioid epidemic on HIV and hepatitis C infection, HIV-related stigma, and strategies for addressing the high cost of HIV and hepatitis medications. 

According to the PACHA Charter, the Council may have up to 25 members, including the chair. The members provide expertise and diverse perspectives based on their knowledge on critical issues concerning HIV and AIDS. As stated in the Council’s charter, “Council members shall be selected from prominent community leaders with particular expertise in, or knowledge of, matters concerning HIV and AIDS, public health, global health, philanthropy, marketing or business, as well as other national leaders held in high esteem from other sectors of society.” Over time, members have included persons who are living with HIV, physicians, researchers, community-based service providers, religious leaders, public health leaders, and advocates. 

Details pertaining to the nomination process can be found here. All nominations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.   
I encourage qualified candidates to apply and look forward to hearing from you!