Dec. 2020
COVID-19
Share your experience with COVID-19 vaccine trials or distribution
Nurses and other healthcare workers across the country have started to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine this week and other vaccines are expected to be approved and released in the coming weeks and months. ANAC members have participated as subjects in clinical trials, served as staff and investigators in trials and have received vaccines as front line workers.

We recently shared a post on our Facebook from ANAC member, nurse practitioner and clinical researcher Emily Barr discussing her experience with COVID-19 vaccine trials. Do you have a picture or story you would like to share with your fellow ANAC members and help us to continue community education? Nurses have considerable influence and community trust - let’s contribute! Please contact Kara Buell at kara@anacnet.org.

COVID-19 webinar
On Dec. 8, ANAC partnered with the COVID-19 Prevention Network on a webinar about COVID-19 Clinical Trials in Communities of Color. Panelists explored health equity and COVID-19, including vaccine preparedness in disproportionally impacted communities. A recording of the discussion and FAQ are available for you to view.
Conference
Last chance to register and claim CNE!
Registration and access to ANAC2020 content and CNE close on Dec. 31. You will not be able to view sessions or claim CNE after this date! Learn more and register today.

The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Until There's a Cure Foundation discount
The Until There’s a Cure Foundation is offering a special discount to all ANAC members for the beautiful items in their online store. This is the same merchandise that is offered at our in-person conference at their booth. Download this special offer.
Education
ANAC HIV and aging page updated
The ANAC HIV and aging page has been updated and includes important information, articles, policy issues and COVID-19 updates related to aging and HIV. All previous updates and additional content can be found on the resources page.

Nurse/pharmacist teams support U=U
ANAC nurses partnered with Walgreens pharmacists to create a resource guide that provides information for nurses and pharmacists to strengthen their roles in team-based care to better educate and support people living with HIV.
Policy
ANAC joins NCC letter to Biden/Harris transition team
ANAC joined more than 60 other national nursing organizations through the Nursing Community Coalition to submit a letter to the Biden/Harris transition team to offer our congratulations, support, expertise and an invitation to collaborate. We strongly encouraged the inclusion of nurses and nursing expertise in all relevant areas. We will continue to work with our members, committees and in coalitions in these effort with the new administration.
Research
Sigma Theta Tau/ANAC grant recipient announced
The annual Sigma Theta Tau/Association of Nurses in AIDS Care research grant award to encourage the research career development of nurses was recently announced. We congratulate ANAC member, Karen Geiger, BSN, RN as the 2020 winner! Karen’s research project at John Hopkins University School of Nursing is titled "The Effects of MDR-TB Treatment on HIV Viral Suppression in MDR-TB/HIV Co-infected Patients in South Africa".
ANAC News
ANAC welcomes new Membership/Chapter Manager
On Dec. 1, the ANAC national office welcomed a new staff member, Nakera Dumas, as Membership/Chapter Manager. She joins us with experience from other membership organizations and will be central to exciting new member and chapter support and activities in 2021. Contact Nakera at nakera@anacnet.org for more information on membership or joining or supporting your local chapter.  

Washington, D.C. chapter hosts virtual 5B screening
Our Washington, D.C. chapter, GWANAC, partnered with The George Washington University School of Nursing for a virtual screening of the film "5B" and panel discussion to celebrate World Aids Day. The panel discussion included nurses and producers from the film. There were more than 115 registrants. Discussion was centered around why it is important to show this film and experiences during that time.

Greater New York chapter hosts virtual training
The Greater New York chapter recently hosted a successful virtual training, including intimate group discussions, on introducing and incorporating “Sex Positivity” when eliciting sexual health history from patients. The training was led by Melanie Steilen RN, BSN, ACRN. CNE hours were offered for this event.

Visit our website for more information on virtual chapter activities. Interested in getting your chapter activity listed? Contact Lynda Wileman at Lwileman@anacnet.org.

ANAC health and wellness committee Gratitude Challenge
The ANAC health and wellness committee is conducting a Gratitude Challenge. Submit three things you are grateful for by Dec. 31 to be automatically entered into a raffle for a free yoga Zoom class! Submit your Gratitude Challenge here. You might even have your submission listed in the next ANAC member newsletter!
  • Jonah Pierce is grateful for his health, having a job he is passionate about and that Joe Biden won the election!
  • Sushanta Kumar Barik is grateful for care, prevention and protection.
  • Vincent Petrosini is grateful for his colleagues who persistently will not give up the fight, that he is allowed to do servant's work and the ability to affect change and make a difference in the less fortunate and never forget.