Tennessee CFAR

10/17/2026

If you have HIV, this study may be for you!
Microbiome, Metabolites, and Alcohol in HIV to reduce CVD
We're looking for adults ages 18 and older who drink alcohol regularly, are HIV+, and take antiretroviral therapy. We want to see whether taking a supplement called a probiotic can help with some of the gut-related health problems related to alcohol use and HIV.

Participants will be asked to:
- Come to 5 study visits at Vanderbilt over 1 year
- Complete study phone calls about once a month
- Have their blood drawn
- Provide stool samples
Total compensation for completing the entire study is $675.

Take our survey to see if you are eligible!
https://redcap.link/rns6toaj

10/16/2026

Discover Our Community Newsletters!!

We have a dedicated space to revisit past newsletters, stories, and updates. Whether you’re catching up or looking for inspiration, this section keeps our history and highlights at your fingertips.

To learn more and sign up: https://tn-cfar.org/community-archive/

10/15/2026

Join us today!!!

Happening today!!

Be sure to join us for a live discussion on Shifting the Narrative: Re-Storying HIV in Faith Communities by Stacy W. Smallwood, PhD, MPH

Topic: Shifting the Narrative: Re-Storying HIV in Faith Communities

When: Thursday, October 15th, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST

10/15/2026

Taking the HIV test is the critical starting point for all care and prevention.

October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), a community mobilization that since 2003 has promoted effective ways to prevent, treat, and stop the spread of HIV among Latinos.

This year’s campaign empowers individuals to take charge of their health by getting tested. An estimated 170,000 people in the United States are living with HIV without knowing it. Undiagnosed HIV delays access to life-saving care and increases the risk of transmission. Whether using an at-home kit or visiting a local clinic, testing is a critical first step. Reflecting this message, this year’s NLAAD theme is “Knowing Your HIV Status Is a Good Place to Start.”

You can learn more at: nlaad.org

10/14/2026

Happening today!! There is still time to register!

Join us for our CFAR-Wide Seminar Series hosted by Tennessee CFAR: BST-2 Restriction and Viral Counteraction, presented by Xinhong D**g, PhD

Register here:
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10/13/2026

Publication Highlight: "Evaluating the Outcomes of the Capacity-Building Support From a Collaborative Network of Implementation Science Technical Assistance Hubs: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Evaluation"

CHESHIRE is a program that helps HIV researchers learn special skills for turning research into real-world health improvements as part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States (EHE) initiative. This study explains how researchers will determine if CHESHIRE's activities are having the intended effects. They will interview 36 project leaders, study how 265 researchers connect and work together, and look at data from research reports and publications. The goal is to see if CHESHIRE improves researchers' skills, helps them build partnerships, and increases how much research they produce. So far, researcher sign-ups are complete, and the team is now studying the data, with results expected by the end of 2026. In the end, this study will help experts determine the best ways to support HIV researchers and speed up how new health treatments reach the people who need them.

To learn more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42467964/

10/12/2026

GLP-1 drugs treat diabetes, obesity, disease of the heart and liver, and may even lead people to drink less alcohol. These health benefits are especially important for people living with HIV.
Researchers at Vanderbilt Health seek volunteers who will take a GLP-1 or placebo for 3 months, attend 3 in-person visits at VCCC, complete surveys, and provide blood and stool samples. Participation lasts 6 months, and compensation is up to $375.

You may be eligible if you
- Have HIV
- Drink alcohol
- Are 18 or older

Consider joining the study to learn more. Go to redcap.link/GL1DER to see if you qualify.

10/09/2026

Be sure to join us for a live discussion on Shifting the Narrative: Re-Storying HIV in Faith Communities by Stacy W. Smallwood, PhD, MPH

Topic: Shifting the Narrative: Re-Storying HIV in Faith Communities

When: Thursday, October 15th, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST

10/08/2026

This month’s newsletter highlights the power of community partnerships, research, and engagement in advancing HIV prevention and care across the South. We feature innovative work using a syringe service program-based Community Advisory Board to expand HIV testing, overdose prevention resources, and PrEP linkage within a Southern Black neighborhood. This community-driven approach demonstrates how trusted local voices can help address health disparities and improve access to lifesaving services.

Inside, you'll also find upcoming Tennessee CFAR and external events, recent research findings and discoveries shaping the future of HIV prevention and treatment, important HIV awareness days, and opportunities to participate in research studies. We encourage you to explore this month's updates, connect with upcoming events, and learn about the many ways our community continues to advance HIV research, education, and advocacy.

If you are interested in seeing this and past issues, go to: https://tn-cfar.org/community-archive/

10/06/2026

We are proud to share our next Implementation Science Core Seminar.

Please join us on Wednesday, Oct 31st at 3pm Central, when Leslie Pierce, DrPH, MPH, the Research Director at Nashville CARES, will present. We look forward to a great discussion and hope to see you there!

Register here: 1b3c733c-d2d7-458a-99dd-c1feb0ad612c@ef575030-1424-4ed8-b83c-12c533d879ab?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1b3c733c-d2d7-458a-99dd-c1feb0ad612c@ef575030-1424-4ed8-b83c-12c533d879ab?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog