Community Advisory Board
 The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a group of diverse community volunteers that provides input to the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (ACTU). From the community prospective, the CAB provides a forum to voice concerns and discuss aspects of clinical trials such as protocol development, participant recruitment/retention, study implementation and research findings. This partnership between the CAB and the CTU has lead to increased community awareness and understanding of HIV treatments and the importance of HIV/AIDS clinical trials and HIV research.
Educational Awareness Sessions
The Community Advisory Board conducts three educational awareness sessions each year. The sessions are offered to persons living with HIV and include a:
- PowerPoint presentation facilitated by a Board member
- Research nurse who explains informed consent, the research process, and answers questions
- Testimonial from a trials participant
Meetings and Membership
The Community Advisory Board meets quarterly at each of the Boston Clinical Research Sites which include: Massachusetts General Hospital; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Brigham and Women’s Hospital; and Boston Medical Center. Meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for CAB members and volunteers to:
- Network and share information
- Understand the clinical research process
- Learn about new trials
- Provide general feedback, voice concerns, and make suggestions about the trials
- Help with educational awareness efforts
How can I learn more or get involved with the Community Advisory Board?
If your organization or group would like to host an educational awareness session or if you would like to learn more about the CAB or becoming a member please contact:
Teri Flynn, MSN, ANP, CTU Coordinator
Massachusetts General Hospital
617-726-3819 |