CAB MEETING MINUTES

October 26, 2004 

Eight CAB members, one guest and three staff members attended the October 2004 meeting of the UTMB Galveston AIDS Clinical Trials Unit Community Advisory Board (CAB).

Report from Dr. O'Brien

• Annual Enrollment Review
  January thru June 2004 – 5 enrolled (total)
  July – No enrollments
  August – 4 enrolled
  September – 3 enrolled
  October – 4 enrolled
  Dr. O’Brien reported that we have shown on-going improvement that will be taken into consideration during scoring for the re-evaluation in December

• Dr. O’Brien felt that we were in the median range of enrollments compared to other ACTU’s.  The highest performers are Indiana, Cincinnati, Ohio State and Northwestern.  This is due to their larger patient pools, site-specific studies and their ability to focus more resources on their studies due to their academic environments

• The RFA recompetition for continuation of an ACTU’s status is expected to be announced at next week’s conference call.  Our score will depend on our ability to screen and enroll; as well as, our academic contributions.  Dr. O’Brien felt that our excellence in Hep C studies/interventions would help us in the process.

• Dr. O’Brien will bring an executive summary of the RFA’s components and what our approach will be to the next meeting.

Report from Dr. Bell

·    Dr. Bell shared that her work on a Women & HIV Forum was going well.  She has secured Open Gates and a meal for the program.  She is still working on pharmaceutical company funding for the remainder.  The plan is to have a panel presentation and perhaps some door prizes also available.  Focus is women’s issues related to HIV/AIDS.

·    Group discussed what studies to emphasize in new ads and articles.  Group agreed that the vaccine, triglyceride and naïve studies should be priority.  Dr.’s O’Brien & Bell will work with Denise to address issues with the IRB and the Office of University Affairs related to releases to the general public.

CAB Business

• Robert called the nominations to a close regarding the open “secretary” position.  Miguel Ortega was the only nominee.  Maryann made a motion that Miguel be voted in by acclamation.  John seconded the motion.  All present voted in favor.  Miguel abstained.  Miguel will complete the term, which Maryann could not complete.

• CAB TOE production of HIV/AIDS: It Ain’t Over is still scheduled for Nov. 30^th and December 1^st at the East End Theater on Post Office St.  Six artists will be in the art exhibit, 6 organizations will have information booths, one choir and one dancer  will be featured, and five individuals will be readers during the program.  The November 30^th Panel has 5 members and the December 1^st Panel has 6 members.  If you’re interested in helping to set up, this will be done on Monday, November 29^th.  Contact Robert for details.

• David introduced our guest, Ms. Dorothea Lewis-Wynn from Representative Nick Lampson’s office.  She was very concerned about cuts in AIDS funding on a national level and its impact on our ACTU.  Ms. Lewis-Wynn is very supportive of the CAB

• Tommy (Co-Chair) agreed to attend the Annual AACTG Meeting (December, 2004), in Baltimore.

• Dennis reported that the Galveston Co. Health District is planning to establish an on-going support group to address the emotional needs of the HIV/AIDS community.

• David asked that everyone obtain a copy of the Jesse Tree Journal (distributed at meeting) and notice the banner on page 20, which highlights that HIV/AIDS research is going on at UTMB’s ACTU.  Thanks to David and the Jesse Tree.

• Robert reminded everyone to listen into the monthly conference call (info. below).  This month’s call will highlight A5157 (peripheral neuropathy study) and A5201 (medication simplification study).

• There is an opening for CAB- Co-Chair.  Please email Robert if you are interested or would like to nominate another member for the position. 

Meeting was adjourned at 7pm.  Those present voted to not meet in November.  The next meeting will be Tuesday, December 7^th.  Special catering will be provided for the holidays!!

NEXT CAB MEETING 
(There will be no November Meeting)

When:       Tuesday, December 7, 2004 5:30-7:00 p.m. (NOTE: 2^nd Tuesday this month!!!)
                  Refreshments and light meal available at 5:15 p.m. 

Where:     UTMB-Marvin Graves Building, 1012 Texas Ave. (The Strand), 4th floor Conference Room #4.208.  Public parking available at Garage #2 next to the UTMB Emergency Room on Harborside Drive.  Parking tokens available to meeting  attendees.  (See map for directions.)

Agenda:    CAB-TOE Project Update

·    Report on Outreach activities

·    Report by Tommy on National Meeting

Reminders:  Guests are welcomed to attend CAB meetings.

                  Next national CAB call is November 24, 2004. CAB calls are open to all community members interested in the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) and HIV/AIDS research.  Call-in time: 12:40 pm (Central), Toll-free# 1-888-422-7101, Access Code 240946

Any questions, please call 409-747-0214 or toll-free 877-324-ACTU (2288).  You can also email Anthony Garcia or 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! 

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