The President's Perspective - Leading Together | |
The Power of Coming Together
Last month, I shared why I'm so excited about ANAC2026 and what you can expect from this monthly column as we count down to our Annual Conference. This month, I'd like to reflect on what makes the ANAC conference so special: the opportunity to come together as a community.
While our educational sessions are always outstanding, it's the connections we make that truly define the ANAC experience. Every year, I leave conference inspired not only by the science and innovation shared during presentations, but also by the conversations in hallways, over coffee or at lunch, at poster sessions, at the Gala and during networking events. These moments often lead to new ideas, collaborations, friendships, and renewed energy for the work we do every day.
Our conference theme, Bridges Over Borders: Advancing HIV Care Through Community Connectedness and Health Equity, reminds us that meaningful progress happens when we learn from one another and work together. Whether you're a nurse clinician, researcher, educator, student, advanced practice provider, administrator, or community partner, each of us brings a unique perspective that strengthens our collective impact.
We're also excited to begin announcing this year's outstanding plenary speakers. Be sure to keep an eye on your email and follow ANAC on social media as speaker announcements are released over the coming weeks. You won't want to miss the inspiring leaders and experts who will help shape this year's conference experience.
If this will be your first ANAC conference, I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. Attend the New to ANAC Session, join us at the New to ANAC Mixer hosted by the Membership Committee, introduce yourself to someone new, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Take some time to attend the new committee fair and make sure you visit the ANAC booth to meet the staff that makes this all possible. Don’t forget the awards dinner, where you’ll see the difference members are making in their work and the world. I never miss the gala, and you shouldn’t either! You'll quickly discover that ANAC is more than a professional organization—it's a welcoming community committed to supporting one another and advancing HIV care together.
As your Board of Directors continues its work throughout the year, we remain focused on fostering opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and lead—not only during conference, but throughout the year. We are grateful to the volunteers, committee members, chapter leaders, speakers, and staff whose dedication makes these opportunities possible.
Thank you for being an important part of ANAC. I can't wait to see many of you in San Diego this November and experience another incredible conference together.
This month's invitation: If you haven't already, start planning your conference experience. Review the conference schedule as it's updated, watch for plenary speaker announcements, attend a networking event, visit the Membership Booth, and challenge yourself to meet someone new. The relationships you build at ANAC can last long after the conference ends.
Darcel Reyes, PhD, ANP-BC, FNYAM, FAAN
President, ANAC Board of Directors
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Congratulations to ANAC’s newly-elected leaders!
We’re pleased to announce the results of the recent ANAC election! Thank you to all of our members who participated in the election process and to each of the candidates who stepped forward to serve our association.
Please join us in congratulating our newly-elected leaders:
Secretary
Bridgette Picou , LVN, ACLPN
Directors-at-Large
Peter Oates, RN, MSN, NP-C
Noriel Calaguas, PhD, MSHSA, RN, ACRN
Nathaniel Albright, APRN, AAHIVS, ACRN
Nominating Committee
Angela Felton-Coleman, DNP, MSN, RN, APRN, FNP-BC
Anthony “Tony” Sillemon, Psy.D, MSW, MBA
Su Kyung Kim, PhD, WHNP-BC, RN
Thank you for your commitment to ANAC and our members. We look forward to the leadership, perspectives and contributions you will bring to the organization!
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ANA expands membership
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has expanded its membership eligibility to include licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), marking an important milestone for the profession. The bylaw change reflects a broader commitment to representing the full nursing workforce and acknowledges the vital contributions LPNs/LVNs make to patient care and community health.
| Education & Professional Development | |
Upcoming webinar
Aug. 26 - 3 p.m.
Bridging the Gap: Putting Advocacy into Action to Improve HIV Care in Rural America,
sponsored by the Rural and Policy committees will give an overview of key HIV healthcare disparities affecting rural communities and discuss practical strategies that nurses and other healthcare professionals can use to advocate for meaningful policy change. Participants will leave with actionable steps to help improve access to HIV prevention, treatment and care while advancing health equity in rural America. Register now.
| Our Chapters & Committees | |
Share your chapter's impact!
ANAC chapters are doing incredible work in their communities, and we want to highlight it! We're launching our Chapter Spotlight/ANAC in Action social media series to showcase chapter education, community service, partnerships, member engagement, events and accomplishments.
Spotlights will begin in September with chapters featured based on submissions received. Submit your chapter highlights, photos and upcoming activities now!
| Member Benefits & Opportunities | |
Research study seeks prescribers
Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) are looking for HIV prescribing providers (APRN, PA, MD, DO) and pharmacists to complete a survey regarding their opinions about antiretroviral therapy. For questions or more information on the "Provider Perspectives of 2- versus 3-Drug Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Survey (2v3 Study)” IRB#0572-26-EX please contact Josh Havens, PharmD or Nikki Regan, APRN.
Shop the new ANAC online store
Great news! The new ANAC 2026 online store is officially open! Browse ANAC merchandise online and place your order in advance for convenient pickup at the ANAC2026 conference in San Diego this November.
The store is a great option for:
- Chapter leaders looking for ANAC items for chapter members, events, or activities
- Committee members who want to show their ANAC pride
- Members looking to purchase ANAC gear for themselves or gifts for colleagues and staff
- Teams attending ANAC2026 who want to stock up on ANAC merchandise together
- Anyone looking for a little ANAC swag to represent our community throughout the year
Shopping is simple and ordering ahead means your items will be ready for pickup at the conference.
Visit the ANAC 2026 online store today, start shopping and show your ANAC pride!
| Upcoming Conference & Events | |
ANAC2026: San Diego
Register now!
Official conference hotel
Book your room now at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. It offers amenities like morning yoga, free bicycle and paddle board rentals and a complimentary shuttle to and from the San Diego International Airport.
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.
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ANAC President-Elect Anthony Velasco’s research recognized by the International Council of Nurses
Anthony Velasco, PhD, AGPCNP-BC AAHIVS was recently recognized by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), which cited one of his publications in its position statement on Gender Equity in Health and Healthcare.
The ICN statement emphasizes that gender equity is essential to achieving equitable, high-quality healthcare and calls attention to the ways gender inequities can affect access to care, health outcomes and experiences within healthcare systems. It also highlights the important role nurses play in identifying disparities, providing inclusive care, advocating for equitable policies and advancing meaningful change within healthcare.
Congratulations to Anthony on having his scholarship contribute to this important global conversation and help inform nursing practice and policy!
From Anthony: "Knowing that my scholarship has contributed to a global policy document is both humbling and deeply meaningful. This is exactly why research matters. Evidence should not remain confined to academic journals: it should inform policy, drive advocacy, and inspire meaningful change for nurses, healthcare professionals, and the communities we serve. As a nurse scientist, I am proud to see my work contributing to this important global conversation. I hope this represents one step in our collective commitment to producing scholarship that challenges inequities, amplifies evidence, and helps shape a more just and inclusive future for our profession. As nurse scientists, we have a responsibility to ask difficult questions and pursue research that has the potential to make a meaningful difference."
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HANCB celebrates 30 years of ACRNs!
In 1996, ANAC supported the creation of a separate corporation, the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board (HANCB).
The first examination was administered in October 1996 at the ANAC conference in Chicago. Nearly 200 candidates successfully passed the proctored examination and were entitled to use the ACRN credential (AIDS Certified Registered Nurse) for four (4) years.
As we approach the 30th anniversary of HIV nursing certification we would love to hear from you! Were you one of the original test-takers or helped to create the first exam? Please take a few minutes to tell us your story!.
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Get to know the ANAC staff
Jen LaFontaine, PMP
Fractional COO
Charlotte, NC
As ANAC's Fractional COO, I support the Executive Director, Board of Directors and staff with day-to-day operations, facilitation and collaboration. I serve as a liaison between the Board and the team, providing operational support and acting as a thought partner for the Executive Director. Much of my work centers on keeping projects moving, strengthening how our team works together and helping ensure ANAC remains a place where people feel supported and connected to the mission.
Key highlights:
The best part of my role is watching the passion and energy of our team and Board. I love seeing projects move from vision to completion, and I care deeply about making sure the team feels supported and that ANAC continues to have a great employee culture. I was brought on almost two and a half years ago, and I've loved every minute of it. Watching something so important gain traction, and seeing this team grow, has been a genuine pleasure to be part of.
What's next / What I'm currently working on:
I recently finished supporting the Nominating Committee with elections, and much of my focus now is on conference preparations, facilitating our weekly team meetings and continuing my work as a liaison between the Executive Director and the Board for the staff. I missed last year's conference due to a family situation, so I'm especially looking forward to being back this year and seeing everyone in person!
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Excellence in Global HIV Nursing Award
Katleho Seisa, RN, MPhil
This award is given every two years to honor an outstanding nurse living and working in a low or lower middle income country (per World Bank designation) who is doing exceptional work in promoting HIV nursing and supporting people living with and affected by HIV.
Katleho Seisa is a distinguished leader and expert in clinical HIV prevention, treatment, and program integration. Since 2018, Katleho has been at the forefront of delivering comprehensive HIV services, successfully pioneering two innovative clinics under a donor-funded PEPFAR initiative managed by a prominent nongovernmental organization. He currently serves as a TB Nurse, Katleho aims to integrate HIV services aligned with the project’s objectives within the TB Elimination project to achieve improved health outcomes.
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ANAC Chapter Recognition Award
Houston Gulf Coast Chapter
This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of one of ANAC’s chapters in meeting the association’s mission.
Chartered in 1997, the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter represents a diverse membership of nurses, pharmacists, social workers, case managers, linkage workers, researchers and students, all dedicated to advancing HIV care and prevention. With signature programming such as HOT Topics in HIV and State of HIV in Houston, the chapter provides education, fosters advocacy and creates a strong professional network across the Houston region.
Read more about our 2025 Award Winners.
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