About

This program is currently in its pilot phase and will open to the public in mid-2021.

Since 1999, the Black AIDS Institute (BAI) has educated health department staff, peer educators, community organizations, and public health professionals to act upon ending the HIV epidemic in Black communities. BAI’s HIV Biomedical Workforce Certificate Program is a unique, online, curriculum-based course that trains the workforce on a spectrum of HIV topics that are relevant to Black Americans and developed by Black Americans. 

Responding To A Need In The HIV Workforce

The HIV Certificate Program addresses an evidence-based need. In 2020, the BAI team conducted an assessment of resources available to build capacity around HIV-related topics.

This identified an absence of resources and career development opportunities for those who are serving in non-clinical roles, or those looking for continuing education to enhance their academic credentials. 

A survey that was administered to members of the HIV workforce also identified knowledge gaps that have informed the curriculum development of this program. The HIV Biomedical Workforce Certificate Program addresses those known gaps.

Therefore, it is a valuable learning opportunity for anyone in the HIV workforce. Whether you are in a client-facing role such as a clinical care provider, case manager, capacity builder, HIV or public health policy expert, community health worker, this online opportunity is sure to grow your skills, professional network, and community impact. 

What Will You Gain During the HIV Certificate Program?

• A one-of-a-kind training program, created by Black HIV advocates, taught by an all-Black faculty, from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view
• Online sessions completed in the comfort of your preferred setting
• A robust curriculum focused on HIV sciences and biomedical interventions, that can also be co-related to how Black communities are being impacted by COVID
• Builds capacity around how to address structural barriers and social determinants of health that Black people may experience when trying to access health information or care
• Addresses HIV topics using a framework that centers the needs of Black people and factors in the cultural norms that impact how our communities view topics like medical mistrust and access to trusted sources of information. 

What Will You Gain Upon Completing the HIV Certificate Program?

• An accredited resume-builder that will enhance your career path in the field of HIV and infectious diseases
• An evidence-based, current, and Black-affirmative approach to HIV policy, advocacy, community organizing, case management, direct services, etc 
• An expanded network of peers who are HIV and public health professionals from around the nation committed to ending HIV in Black communities
• Direct engagement with all 8 faculty members who are respected academics, public health practitioners, and excellent sources of professional advice
• Inclusion into the BAI family’s national network of policy advocates, community organizers, health department officials, social media influencers, and more! 

HIV Expert Faculty 

1. Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, MPH, MD: Infectious Disease Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School
2. Dr. Natalie Wilson, Ph.D., DNP, MPH, APRN-BC: Assistant Professor UCSF School of Nursing
3. Christine Saxman, BS: Anti-racist consultant
4. Dr. Sharon Washington, MPH, Ph.D.: Race, Sexuality, and Anti-Bias Consultant
5. Rev. Rob Newells, Director of National Programs, Black AIDS Institute
6. Dr. Durryle Brooks, Ph.D.: Love and Justice Consulting Founder 
7. Dr. Michele Andrasik, Ph.D.: Director, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Community Engagement, HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Senior Staff Scientist   
8. Brandi Williams, BS

HIV Expert Content Editing Committee

1. Dr. Latesha Elopre, University of Alabama Birmingham
2. Christopher Hucks-Ortiz, MPH
3. Laura Coholan, MSSE
4. Maya Merriweather: Program Lead, Black AIDS Institute

2021 Pilot Phase

The HIV Certificate Program is currently in its pilot phase and will open to the public in mid-2021. Through the pilot phase, the Black AIDS Institute ensures that the HIV Certificate Program creates exceptional value and will ultimately lead to improving HIV-related health outcomes in Black communities.

With generous support from pilot participants around the country, the pilot phase will evaluate the HIV Certificate Program’s:

• Curriculum
• Assessments
• Accessibility
• Evaluation mechanisms
• Efficacy and usefulness

For more information, contact Maya Merriweather, Program Lead, Black AIDS Institute at MayaM@blackaids.org