Paris Mullen is one of the dedicated ACTG Network Community Scientific Subcommittee Representatives and Community Advisory Board (CAB) members at our University of Washington, Seattle clinical trial site. Each ACTG Network clinical trial site has a CAB made up of members from the local area that are affected by or living with HIV. The CAB holds regular meetings with site investigators and also hosts events open to the community to educate people about HIV/AIDS and ACTG Network clinical trials. In addition to his duties on the Scientific Subcommittee and CAB, Paris also serves as a designated Community Representative for the REPRIEVE trial. REPRIEVE, a randomized trial to prevent vascular events in HIV, will test whether a daily dose of a statin will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV.
To be effective in the role of Community Representative, Paris notes that it is imperative to gain the respect, trust and support of the greater HIV/AIDS community at large. Community Representatives facilitate dialogue between researchers, clinicians, principle investigators and the lay community as it relates to clinical trial research and study participation. In addition, they help ensure that concerns, questions and perspectives of the community are always conveyed in a timely and effective manner.
As an advocate for the HIV/AIDS community, Paris works to help increase general scientific literacy by distilling HIV/AIDS science in a comprehensive and culturally appropriate manner. More specifically, he works with the African American population to help facilitate and mobilize community activism that includes leadership opportunities.
The REPRIEVE trial presents an interesting dichotomy with regard to the potential study participant population who is now living longer with HIV but is at higher risk for developing heart disease compared to the general population. Heart disease is evident even among younger individuals and occurs despite having HIV under control. In particular, it is extremely important to understand how to recruit, enroll and retain individuals who are physically the healthiest they have ever been. Understanding the benefits and barriers this population faces when considering enrolling in REPRIEVE is one of the main challenges Paris faces when advising the protocol team. However, he is honored to collaborate with fellow REPRIEVE Community Representative, Aaron Laxton, to help in these efforts. Paris has a great deal of respect for Aaron and what he brings to the table.
Paris also commends his friend, mentor and colleague, Michael Louella, Outreach Coordinator at the ACTG Network's University of Washington, Seattle clinical trial site for always being there to support him and encourage his advocacy efforts.
Paris shares a deep appreciation for the study participants of RERIEVE and other current and previous clinical trials for their tremendous sacrifices. Regardless of the REPRIEVE trial's outcome, he strongly believes that all study participants have advanced the fight against HIV/AIDS and are amongst the nameless and faceless who deserve applause and praise for advancing the well-being of human kind.
"I would like to express my humble gratitude for their sacrifices, dedication and tireless advocacy to help end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. I encourage ACTG Network researchers and clinicians to go out of their way to engage the participation and contribution of Community Representatives and CAB members in protocol development, review and implementation. I hope that researchers and clinicians are willing to help ensure that marginalized populations are afforded increased access to mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities and other volunteer positions for educational and Q&A opportunities.
REPRIEVE is funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with significant support and collaboration from the National Institutes of Infectious and Allergic Disease (NIAID). In addition, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. will be providing the study drug and additional financial support.