Debra Smith, Community Program Associate at the Minnesota ACTU, was recently recognized by the African-American community for the work she does in HIV/AIDS research education. Debra was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for her outreach and recruitment activities at the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS event on March 4 in Minneapolis. The Black Church Week of Prayer is the largest AIDS awareness program targeting African-Americans in the United States. It fosters year round AIDS treatment services in communities and helps African-American churches become involved in HIV/AIDS education and compassion.
The award was particularly meaningful as Debra was recognized by her own community for working to get more African-American participation in clinical trials. As Debra stated, “It means more than I can say that the African-American community has recognized that clinical trial participation is important and imperative. It is the only way we can continue to get new therapy options for and further knowledge about HIV infection. Because the Black community is so deeply impacted by HIV/AIDS, we must rush to be a part of the solution, to find the answers that will both prevent new infections and sustain the health of those already infected. Our lives, very literally, depend on it.”
We congratulate Debra and support her as she continues her efforts.