CDU News | Page 13
CDU Research Team Advances in HHS HIV Challenge
CDU will advance to the third and final round of the HIV Challenge sponsored by the U . S . Department of Health and Human Services following a round two victory . The challenge was created to engage participants to identify innovative and practical approaches to reduce HIV stigma and disparities as well as increase prevention and treatment among racial and ethnic minority communities .
CDU faculty member Dr . Homero E . del Pino ’ s AXIS-funded research project titled “ Disruptive PrEP Narratives : Estamos PrEP-arados !” has been selected as a winner in the second phase of the HIV Challenge . The project has been led by Angel J . Martinez , a CDU alumnus from the CDU Enhanced Post Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Pre-Medicine .
“ Disruptive PrEP Narratives : Estamos PrEP-arados !” is a 12-month culturally tailored innovative community engagement strategy that brings together academia , government , artistic creatives and communitybased organizations serving Los Angeles County to create narratives that disrupt stigmas around Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis ( PrEP ) use and to reduce HIV-related disparities . PrEP is a medicine used to prevent HIV .
In this second phase , the research project team was awarded for its creation of a well-developed approach for community engagement and mobilization strategies regarding HIV prevention and treatment . In phase one , Drew CARES was recognized for its numerous innovative concepts for community engagement to reduce stigma related to HIV prevention and treatment , one of only 15 teams .
CDU ’ s research project team is one of seven participants that have been chosen to advance to the third phase of the HIV Challenge . Phase three consists of test dissemination and uptake at a small scale / community level to demonstrate how well the approaches are accessed by the focus population . A panel of judges will choose the final three submissions as the overall HIV challenge winners , receiving a prize of $ 60,000 each .
Clothing Drive to Provide Professional Attire For Students
CDU Career Services is hosting a Professional Clothing Drive during the months of July and August to help restock the Career Closet , a free resource for CDU students . Accepted donations consist of new or gently used clothing pieces such as shirts , blouses , jackets , slacks , sweaters , skirts , dresses , ties , belts , shoes , and accessories .
Those who would like to donate may drop items in the collection bins located in the Student Center Lobby and Student Center Lounge . The Professional Clothing Drive will continue through August 31 .
The Career Closet , provided by CDU Career Services , has been around since 2020 and provides students access to free professional attire for interviews , career fairs , and networking events . CDU Career Services is committed to helping students and alumni achieve their professional career goals through resources , essential information , and support .
“ We want to set our students up for success in the workforce by eliminating financial barriers ,” shared Allison Yi , Career Advisor . “ All students are welcome and encouraged to visit the Career Closet and pick any pieces of clothing they need free of cost . They also get to keep the clothing pieces .”
Students seeking attire are encouraged to email careerservices @ cdrewu . edu to schedule a time to look through the closet . The Career Closet is located in the pantry next to the Student Center Lounge .