Community Advisory Board (CAB)

All clinical sites participating in PHACS are expected to have a Community Advisory Board (CAB). The purpose of the CAB is to seek input from community representatives in order to reflect the interests of participants and caregivers in PHACS. The PHACS CAB is also a forum for local CAB members to share resources and support.

The mission of the PHACS CAB is to serve as a connection between researchers and community members in order to improve and optimize clinical research studies for children/families who are participants, and who are most affected by the research.

CAB membership reflects the diverse local community. Each CAB should include people who have participated in the past or are currently are enrolled in PHACS or a similar research study. CAB members may also include:

• Direct stakeholders: Women with HIV, pregnant women with HIV, and parents/caregivers of HIV-infected and affected babies, children, and young adults who are enrolled in PHACS or similar research studies.
   
• Indirect Stakeholders: Community members affected by HIV, including professionals (i.e. social workers, HIV program specialists, etc.).
   
• People who were or are currently enrolled in PHACS or a similar research study as a participant.
   
• Volunteer helpers, peer trainers, CAB liaisons, and counselors at the clinical site.

CAB members should not be responsible for recruiting new participants for research studies. However, CAB members may inform potential participants of how to get in touch with the study site.

Joining the PHACS CAB

If you would like to learn more about the PHACS CAB and/or are interested in joining, please contact Mandy Flores for more information.