In 1996, Andy began volunteering at Christie’s Place, an agency serving women, children, and families impacted by HIV/AIDS in San Diego. This led to an interest in HIV and other types of medical research. His past and current work has included treatment and research education, support group facilitation, and patient advocacy. Since 2004, Andy has been an active member and currently co-chairs the Community Advisory Board (CAB) at the University of California San Diego’s Antiviral Research Center. As a member of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Community Science Subcommittee, Andy represents the community on the HIV Reservoirs and Viral Eradication Transformative Science Group (Cure TSG), and the Neurology Collaborative Science Group and serves on several clinical trial teams. Also, Andy is on the RID-HIV CAB, one of the Martin Delaney Collaboratories that is working toward an HIV Cure .
With the Drug Development Committee of the AIDS Treatment Activists Coalition (ATAC), Andy meets with pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, and academic institutions, advocating for ethical practices in clinical trials and adequate representation of key populations. Andy continues to serve on various other working groups and boards with a focus on HIV, treatment, and prevention, and other infectious disease research. HIV and Aging has become one of the biggest areas of focus over the last few years for advocates and Andy is passionate about it. HIV Cure may be the goal, but neurologic, frailty, and other effects of aging are the looming issues for the majority of people with HIV.
