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Five CAB members and two staff
member attended the April 2005 meeting of the UTMB Galveston AIDS Clinical
Trials Unit Community Advisory Board (CAB).
Dr. O’Brien asked to address what he considered misconceptions in the March 2005 minutes of the CAB. Mr. Ortega reminded Dr. O’Brien that the minutes were a recording of what the CAB discussed at the last meeting and that they reflect our perceptions. They are not open to correction. He was invited to help clarify the issues.
· Dr. O’Brien reported that UTMB intended to re-apply for the next round of ACTG’s. The CAB had discussed the unlikelihood of this happening and that it was “impossible” to meet the goals established after UTMB’s appeal to the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) to overturn this decision made by the ACTG Exec. Committee.
· Dr. O’Brien reported that the “naïve” study was ready to begin and that 8 potential candidates had been identified. He reported that there is still a possibility the monthly goals would not be met but that other sites were not meeting their goals either. UTMB’s ACTU is almost at the national median. So an appeal to the goals previously established by DAIDS and ACTG Exec. Committee could be lowered. The next few months will be critical.
· The ACTU has decided that they would continue outreach utilizing the same contacts with referral agencies/groups. This would maintain continuity in the process.
· Dr. O’Brien reported that the DAMP waiver for the AIDS Clinics was now in place. They were still working on making sure that patients were not billed for any lab fees, if they qualified for the indigent care program.
· UTMB’s intention is to submit a new application in July 2005, even before the final evaluation of the ACTG based on this year’s goals. The application would highlight the following:
o UTMB has had an ACTU since 1992 and has had related clinical trials since the mid-80’s.
o The University is showing renewed support for the Unit (DAMP issue, faculty involvement, etc.)
o Science related to HIV/AIDS is being conducted university wide.
o The multiple-pronged approach being undertaken (HIV, HepC, microbocides)
· There is no specific CAB budget. Any supplies, etc. needed by the CAB need to be requested and they will be provided if the need is considered appropriate and the monies are available.
· Outreach should be focused to those agencies/programs that would allow us access to our primary client base.
· Items (pens, condoms, etc.) have been approved and purchased.
· The CAB discussed the issue of our ever dwindling numbers. It was decided that a notice asking for people to join the CAB would be prominently displayed on the CAB Bulletin Board in the AIDS Clinic.
Any questions, please call 409-747-0214 or toll-free 877-324-ACTU (2288). You can also email Denise Justice. While reservations are not required, calling in advance helps us better plan for food and parking tokens and we like to hear from you!
Back to CAB Minutes 2005
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