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Penn CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB)

 

 

 

CAB MISSION: The mission of the CAB is to foster and maintain partnerships and open communication between Penn CFAR researchers and community members. The CAB also works to enhance HIV education, prevention, treatment and research activities reflecting both investigators' interests and community needs.

CAB VISION: To reach underserved populations and improve community health while ensuring fair access to resources and reducing HIV incidence. 

ABOUT US: The Penn CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB) is made up of community leaders who have knowledge in many areas: advocacy, health care, AIDS treatments, prison health, youth issues, gender and sexual minority community issues, STD prevention, harm reduction, and epidemiology. Most importantly, CAB members share a deep connection to Philadelphia's communities. The mission of the CAB is to foster and maintain partnerships and open communication between Penn CFAR researchers and community members. The CAB also works to enhance HIV education, prevention, treatment, and research activities reflecting both investigators' interests and community needs.

The Penn CFAR CAB held its first meeting on January 21, 2003 and meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The Community Research and Engagement Core provides administrative and program support to the CAB in support of its mission and projects. The CAB is composed of representatives from a range of campus and community-based HIV prevention and care organizations, PLWHA, community members and activists.

 

Announcement

AIDS activist Tyrone Smith always had a passion for moving people forward. In the early 80's, when AIDS and HIV first confronted gay communities across the country, Tyrone saw that there was nothing in place to support the challenges facing black gay men in Philadelphia and decided to become an agent of change. In 1984, Tyrone helped form Impact, an organization that helped sensitize the broader white community to the unique health, political, and social needs facing African Americans in Philadelphia. By 1985, he was elected to the board of We the People, an AIDS organization that helped people living with HIV/AIDS. He was also elected to the board of the William J. Craig Foundation, an organization affiliated with hospital workers union 1199C, which supported people living with AIDS.

In the early 1990s, and with help from city and community leaders, Tyrone co-founded UNITY, Inc., the first grassroots organization run by black gay men, for black gay men. In that role, Tyrone became an outspoken advocate for the issues impacting black gay men. He went on to become that agency's first and only executive director, collecting numerous awards and city commendations.

In addition to being a public speaker, talk show host, spokesperson, community organizer, and a leader in helping the faith community in Philadelphia confront AIDS as a crisis, Tyrone lent his support to many agencies throughout the city. In 2021, after retiring from his many years of service to the CFAR CAB, Tyrone was awarded with the Red Ribbon Award for Community Leader.

For more information on Tyrone, read HERE. 

Penn CFAR CAB 20th Annual Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony

2025 Red Ribbon Awardees

Our theme for the event this year was “The Magic of Faith, Resilience, and Legacy.” We had a great time commemorating twenty years of honoring those in our area who are still doing the work to fight HIV. People who are trailblazers, and who are compassionate about where we have come from and where we are headed.

The 2025 Red Ribbon Awardees:
  • Mary Evelyn Torres: POLICY MAKER- Someone who has exhibited knowledge, commitment, and excellence in public policy and in issues surrounding HIV/AIDS as a local, state, or federal policymaker.
  • Robert Gross, MD, MSCE: RESEARCHER- Someone who has made significant contributions in research to improve clinical/medical practices, and/or social issues involving HIV prevention, treatment, and/or cure efforts.
  • Howell Strauss, DMD: COMMUNITY MEMBER- Someone who has made a significant contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the role of advocate, caregiver, and/or community activist.
  • Bishop Ernest McNear, D. Min.: FAITH BASED- An individual or organization/group whose mission has been to serve the community and has made a significant contribution in addressing HIV/AIDS through education, advocacy, and/or caregiving.
  • Ted Kreider, MD, PhD: BEAT HIV CAB CURE ADVOCACY: An individual of distinguished character who has focused their work on advancing HIV cure education, research, and or advocacy in Philadelphia communities.
  • Karam Mounzer, MD: PROVIDER- Someone who has made significant contributions in providing HIV/AIDS care, treatment and support. 

  • Susan Mull: Rick Britt Positive Award

  • AIDS Fund: Robert Schoenberg Pioneer Award

Previous Red Ribbon Awardees in attendance.

 

CFAR CAB Members

 

NEWS

Upcoming CFAR CAB Events

  • Membership & Nominations Committee Meeting Monday, February 24, 2025 4:00pm EDT

    The Membership and Nominations Committee oversee the recruitment of new CAB members as vacancies arise. Once new CAB members are approved by the full CAB, this committee will review the by-laws and all membership documents with new CAB members as a part of the orientation of new members  This committee also works with the CAB coordinator to monitor attendance and communication and oversees the election process for CAB officers. 

    This committee meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 4:00pm EDT.

    To attend the Membership & Nominations committee meeting, please email the CAB Coordinator.

  • Education & Outreach Committee Meeting Monday, February 17, 2025 3:00 pm EDT

    The Education & Outreach committee works with the CAB Executive Committee to recommend and coordinate continuing education of CAB members in order to foster a knowledgeable and effective CAB. Additionally, the CAB focuses on outreach opportunities, collaborations and events throughout the community. 

    This committee meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 3:00 pm EDT.

    To join an Education & Outreach committee meeting, please email the CAB Coordinator.

  • CFAR CAB Monthly Meeting Tuesday, February 11, 2025 12:00pm

    Topic: Penn CFAR CAB Meeting Time: Every month on the Second Tuesday at 12:00 noon EDT To request meeting access, send an email to the CAB Coordinator.