|
ANAC Board of Directors and Nominating Committee
ANAC is seeking visionary leaders to help shape and strengthen our organization through volunteer service on the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. Open positions for 2026 include the Secretary role, three Directors-at-Large positions and three Nominating Committee positions.
These volunteer leadership roles play an important part in guiding ANAC’s strategic direction and supporting the continued growth of the organization. ANAC values leadership perspectives that reflect the diversity of our membership, professional experiences, care settings and communities impacted by HIV.
We have updated our nominations process to include a personal statement and personal responses; therefore, this is a self-nomination form. Learn more and apply before June 8.
| |
US Preventive Services Task Force changes
Community members are asked to send letters urging your representatives in Congress to protect the integrity of the USPSTF after Sec. Robert Kennedy fired Dr. John Wong and Dr. Esa Davis, two members of the task force. The task force has a critical role in protecting coverage for PrEP and dozens of other preventive health services. Take action.
| |
Add your voice to the Global HIV Workforce Survey
The HIV response has been uniquely disrupted over the past year and a half, and frontline workers have been carrying that weight. Their experiences need to shape what comes next.
The ANAC Global Advocacy Working Group has launched the Global HIV Workforce Survey to make that happen. We have already heard from workers in 18 countries across 5 continents and we need more voices.
If you work in HIV care, programs, research, advocacy or community services, please take 10 minutes and add your voice. Share widely with your networks. Take the survey.
| Education & Professional Development | |
HIV and Smoking: An Urgent Public Health Discussion
Join R Street June 17 at 12 p.m. ET for a virtual discussion featuring researchers with deep experience in caring for and understanding the unique dynamics of people living with HIV who smoke. Americans living with HIV now lose more years of life to smoking than to HIV itself. While cigarette smoking among U.S. adults has fallen below 10 percent for the first time, people with HIV still smoke at up to four times that rate. Join R Street for a virtual discussion featuring researchers with deep experience in caring for and understanding the unique dynamics of people living with HIV who smoke. Register now.
| | Community News & Recognition | |
Nurses Week 2026 - The Power of Nursing
We had a great time celebrating our nurses for Nurses Week and we hope you did too! A special thanks to Anthony Velasco, Kimberly Skeete, Allison Webel, John Parisot, Donna Sabatino and Noriel Calaguas for sharing their videos about community, research, education, advocacy and global nursing. Check out our Nurses Week posts on Facebook and Linkedin.
A special thanks to all of you who shared your perspective each day. The winner of the complimentary conference registration is Brianna Kline! We'll see you in San Diego, Brianna!!
| |
Congratulations to ANAC Board Member Roque Anthony Velasco
Anthony Velasco, PhD, AGPCNP-BC, AAHIVS, received the 2026 Carol A. Lindeman Award for a New Researcher from the Western Institute of Nursing. Anthony’s research centers the voices of trans older adults and examines how structural stigma within healthcare systems shapes access to primary care across the life course. His findings highlight the critical role nurses play in advancing affirming, trauma-informed care and driving systemic change through education, advocacy and justice-centered research. This important work not only sheds light on barriers to care but also elevates resilience and pathways toward a more equitable future.
| |
Dr. Patrick Kenny Certified Nurse of the Year
Jimmie Leckliter, MSN-ED, RN, PHN, ACRN, NPD-B
This prestigious award recognizes an ACLPN, ACRN or AACRN who exemplifies excellence in HIV/AIDS nursing and advances the mission of the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board. This award is voted upon by the HANCB board.
Jimmie Leckliter is a dedicated nursing professional with over 20 years of experience serving individuals living with HIV/AIDS across a wide range of clinical settings—from correctional facilities and emergency departments to outpatient and specialty care clinics. As a Clinical Educator in a major health system in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, Jimmie plays a pivotal role in ensuring nurses maintain clinical excellence through continued professional education and skill development.
A passionate advocate and leader, Jimmie has been an active member of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) since 2013. He has served in multiple leadership roles including the National Nominations Committee Chair, National Chapters Committee Co-Chair and founding board member and current Treasurer of the Greater Palm Springs Chapter (2022 Chapter of the Year), and member of the 2023 ANAC Conference Planning Committee.
Beyond ANAC, Jimmie’s service includes his tenure as a City Commissioner for the Salina Human Relations Commission and over a decade of commitment to the San Diego Burn Institute as a Camp Nurse. He also contributes to his local LGBTQ+ community as the Medical/First Aid Coordinator for Greater Palm Springs Pride.
Jimmie’s unwavering commitment to education, advocacy, and inclusive care exemplifies the mission of ANAC/HANCB and reflects the values of compassionate, community-centered nursing leadership.
| |
Public Service Award
Robyn Neblett Fanfair, MD, MPH
This award is given to an individual who (or organization that) has made a significant contribution to public policy or community service. The awardee is selected by the ANAC board of directors. The award is given at the board’s discretion.
Dr. Robyn Neblett Fanfair currently serves as the Director of the Division of HIV Prevention (DHP) at the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP). Here she provides strategic leadership to advance the CDC’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV. In this role, Dr. Neblett Fanfair oversees division programs and coordinates critical research, surveillance, and programmatic activities aimed at addressing the HIV epidemic in the United States.
Dr. Neblett Fanfair’s public health career spans multiple roles in research, clinical care, and program management. She began her career in Baltimore, where she worked as an HIV prevention researcher, clinician, and public health practitioner. As a clinical research fellow at Johns Hopkins University, she conducted studies on sexual networks and HIV aging and served as a primary care provider for people with HIV at the Moore Clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Neblett Fanfair later became the Medical Director for the Druid Sexual Health Clinic at the Baltimore City Department of Health.
| | |
ANAC offers NCPD
ANAC offers accredited Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) opportunities designed specifically for nurses working in HIV care.
What it is:
NCPD (formerly known as continuing nursing education or CNE) is the standard for ongoing professional learning in nursing. ANAC is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, ensuring that all educational activities meet national quality standards.
How this benefits you as a member:
- Included with your membership at no cost: Access NCPD opportunities as part of your ANAC membership—no additional fees required.
- Earn accredited contact hours: Receive recognized NCPD credits that support your state licensure and professional requirements.
- Maintain your certification: Apply NCPD hours toward recertification for HIV-related credentials such as ACRN, AACRN and ACLPN.
- Learn in flexible formats: Access education through webinars, online courses and live events that fit your schedule.
- Stay current in HIV care: Keep up with the latest clinical guidelines, treatments and best practices in HIV nursing.
- Advance your expertise: Strengthen your knowledge and skills to enhance patient care and support your professional growth.
ANAC’s NCPD offerings provide convenient, accredited and career-relevant education—helping members maintain certification, expand expertise and stay at the forefront of HIV nursing practice. Contact Mary Smith for more information or questions.
| |
|
Integrated Rapid‑Start ART + OAT for PWID in Ukraine: Human‑Centered Planning to Overcome Systemic Barriers
The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care recently published a new article on integrating rapid‑start antiretroviral therapy (RS‑ART) with opioid agonist therapy (RS‑OAT) for people who inject drugs (PWID) in Ukraine, showing how human‑centered, client‑driven methods can surface practical solutions to organizational, policy, and stigma‑related barriers to combined treatment initiation.
Using nominal group technique with 42 PWID across four high‑burden Ukrainian cities, investigators rank‑ordered barriers via NVIVO and the socio‑ecological model: organizational fragmentation (45%)—notably separate ART and OAT services—followed by individual fears of withdrawal (22%), policy constraints like the national addiction registry (20%), and relationship‑level stigma (13%). Participants recommended equity‑focused, behavioral‑design interventions (choice architecture, nudges, message framing), co‑location of services, clear ART/OAT initiation algorithms to reduce discrimination, and multi‑level strategies to restore trust and improve timely treatment initiation among PWID. Keywords: addiction, health equity, HIV, implementation science, stigma, Ukraine.
Read the full JANAC article: Using Nominal Group Technique with Human-Centered Design to Inform Pre-Implementation Planning for Combined Rapid-Start Initiation of Antiretroviral and Opioid Agonist Therapies in People Who Inject Drugs with HIV in Ukraine
| | Upcoming Conference & Events | |
ANAC2026: San Diego
Bridges Over Borders: Advancing HIV Care through Community Connectedness and Health Equity
Seeking sponsors and exhibitors
Be a part of ANAC2026 and get your company or organization noticed! Our sponsors and exhibitors receive great benefits and recognition opportunities throughout the conference.
Early-bird registration is open!!! Early-bird closes May 31 so register now for a discounted price!
| |
Get to know the ANAC staff
Katherine "Kat" Ngaruiya
Development and Partnerships
Durham, NC
As the development consultant for ANAC, I collaborate with corporate members, conference sponsors and donors who engage and invest in our community. A lot of my work centers on fostering relationships with partners and supporters, along with pursuing grant opportunities that can expand or reinforce ANAC’s initiatives and priorities.
Key highlights:
The best part of my role is building relationships and connecting with people who care deeply about HIV care, advocacy, education and research. There’s such a joy in being able to help raise money for an incredible organization doing impactful work with members and partners around the world. I spent my formative years in Nairobi, Kenya, at a time when HIV/AIDS were taboo to even talk about and were hidden behind other illnesses. Seeing the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS firsthand has stayed with me, and it is why this work feels personal.
What’s next/What you’re currently working on:
Right now, I’m working on ANAC2026 sponsorship outreach (shameless plug for our sponsorship prospectus!) and identifying new grant opportunities to support existing program.
| | |
New patient resource
Your Guide to Sexual Well-Being, an evidence-based resource we proudly endorse is a tool to support the sexual health of your patients and communities. It is designed to educate individuals on HIV and STI prevention and treatment, motivate HIV and STI testing and connect people with appropriate care. The Guide was jointly developed by Viver Health and Gilead Sciences, Inc. in collaboration with healthcare providers, patients and patient advocates.
These FREE guides are available to U.S. HCPs. Visit Viver Health to order copies to hand out to your patients.
| Partner & Sponsor Updates | |
We’re excited to welcome Callen-Lorde as a new ANAC Organizational Member! 🎉
As a nationally recognized healthcare organization committed to providing affirming and inclusive care, Callen-Lorde joins ANAC’s growing network of organizations dedicated to advancing HIV nursing, education, advocacy and community impact. We’re thrilled to support their team through expanded access to professional development, networking, research and leadership opportunities!
Interested in becoming an ANAC Organizational Member?
Organizational memberships are designed for healthcare organizations, academic institutions, public health agencies, nonprofits, and industry partners looking to invest in staff development, visibility, and engagement within the HIV care community. Benefits include staff memberships, brand visibility, networking opportunities, conference engagement, and access to ANAC’s expert community and resources.
Organizational membership levels begin at $1,000 annually and scale based on the number of memberships and partner benefits included. Learn more about joining, membership tiers and benefits.
| |
La Clínica del Pueblo - Lead HIV Medicine Clinician (Washington, D.C. and Hyattsville, MD)
The Lead HIV Medicine Clinician provides direct clinical care while serving as the clinical lead for HIV services across the HIV care continuum. This role provides clinical oversight, subject-matter expertise, and quality leadership for HIV care delivered at La Clínica del Pueblo.
La Clínica del Pueblo (LCDP) is a community-based Federally Qualified Health Center committed to advancing health equity through culturally responsive, integrated care for communities disproportionately impacted by structural barriers to care. LCDP delivers HIV services through a status-neutral, syndemic-informed model that integrates HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, primary and behavioral health, case management, and social support services.
Learn more and apply.
| | | | |
