Members of the Midwest D-CFAR recently joined researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals from around the world in Cape Town, South Africa, for the inaugural HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Health Science of Implementation Conference (VISTA).

Kneeshe Parkinson, Program Coordinator for the Midwest D-CFAR Scientific Working Group (SWG), was invited to attend Beyond the Ribbon, a Breast Cancer Awareness event hosted by the Community Health Commission of Missouri. The event brought together breast cancer survivors, community-based organizations, advocates, and those committed to advancing awareness, education, and support for people affected by breast cancer.

Midwest D-CFAR Scientific Working Group Community Champions reflect on community events throughout the month of June, including the Future Is Femme Ball and Party with A Purpose.

In St. Louis, young Black men who have sex with men continue to face disproportionately high rates of HIV, while testing uptake remains persistently low. In response, ChampionSTL emerged as a community-centered initiative designed to reimagine HIV prevention through peer leadership, human-centered design, and accessible science communication. Learn more about ChampionSTL and what it means to build hope, equity, and power through community-academic partnerships.