Community Advisory Board FAQs
What is the CAB?
The national AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) requires research centers throughout the country to establish local Community Advisory Boards (CABs). Members of these CABs assist their respective research centers in selecting and implementing new trials. The UCSD ACTG Community Advisory Board has been in operation since 1990.

What does the CAB do?

• Represents the interests of our community with regard to research studies.
  
• Acts as a liaison to the community, educating people about participation in clinical trials.
  
• Provides a forum in which community members can ask the researchers questions directly.

Who can join?
All persons from diverse backgrounds are welcome, regardless of medical history, current health, or HIV status. We especially encourage those who have taken part in clinical trials or who are currently enrolled in one.

When and where are the meetings?
Meetings are usually held the first Monday of every month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. There are often exceptions, so it is generally a good idea to call us first at 619-543-8080. Meetings are held at 150 West Washington Street (at Front Street), in the conference room on the second floor. Park behind the building.

What happens at the meetings?
Usually a researcher discusses a current or pending study topic at The AVRC. At the end of the discussion, following questions and answers, CAB members discuss business matters, including educational or fundraising events in the community. A light meal is served.

What if I want to be involved on a national level?
HIV is unique in that community members are involved in research on a national level. Interested community members can participate in several ways

Community advisory board members from ACTG sites across the country participate in a nationwide conference call on the fourth Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. Pacific time. Members can call in to hear researchers talk about current and upcoming trials, results of research, and to network with other community members across the country about research opportunities. This is a toll free call at 888-422-7101. Enter the code 240946 and you will be connected to the call. You can also join the national CAB e-mail log-on to receive call notices and other ACTG community information by sending a message to the ACTG.

The other way to participate on a nationwide level is through the Community Constituency Group (CCG). This group is fully integrated into the research process at the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG). They have a voice and a vote on all ACTG committees: all the protocol teams, the Research Agenda Committees that determine what will be studied, and the Executive Committee that makes the ultimate funding decisions. CCG members are chosen for their knowledge of HIV treatment and the populations they represent.

To learn more about the CCG or the history of the CAB, read this article from our April 2001 newsletter or take a look at the CCG Web site.

What if I still have questions?
Call the CAB contacts at 619-543-8080. If you would like to be put on the CAB e-mail list for the CAB, please e-mail us. You will receive an invitation to each Community Advisory Board meeting and minutes from previous meetings.