NMAC is pleased to announce the 2024 HIV 50+ Strong and Healthy cohort. The 50+ Strong and Healthy program launched in the summer of 2016, and the 2024 affiliate constitutes the ninth cohort. Since the program’s launch, NMAC has supported HIV and aging advocates throughout the country and Puerto Rico through projects like mini-grants, peer health education events, the National HIV and Aging Advocacy Network (NHAAN), social media campaigns, and webinars around HIV and aging topics. This year, NMAC will continue to engage, educate, advocate, and mobilize this year’s HIV 50+ Scholars, as well as 50+ Scholars from past years.
Each year, NMAC ensures that those selected represent the communities most impacted by the HIV epidemic. This year’s HIV 50+ cohort is comprised of older adults living with HIV and who have a demonstrated record of advocating for PLWH over the age of 50 and/or other Long-Term Survivors. As always, the cohort is made up of a mix of returning 50+ Scholars (38%) and new Scholars (62%).
The Duke CFAR is excited that our Duke Collaborative Community Council (D3C) Chair Eugenia Rogers was selected for this year's cohort. Her bio is featured on the NMAC website:
I am Eugenia Rogers, and I was born in Durham, North Carolina where I reside. I have two amazing adult children, a son and a daughter. I attended North Carolina Central University for both undergraduate and graduate studies. I earned a BA in Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations in 2009 and an MLS in Special Libraries in 2013.
I love working and volunteering in my community with homeless shelters, educational programs, and anything about HIV/AIDS education. I worked as a librarian in a Charter School for 5 years, fostering my love for education. I have a passion for literacy and educating people. I am currently employed at a non-profit literacy center. Education is a way out of poverty and when those who know teach those that do not, we give hope.
I like to use my educational skills to work towards eliminating the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in my community. I have served as the Chair of the Community Collaborative Council (D3C) of the Duke CFAR for the past two years. That role has allowed me to expand my knowledge base of HIV/AIDS. I had the opportunity to be a co-director on a research grant to combat stigma in African American Faith-Based Organizations the National Institutes sponsored the grant.
I am a person living with HIV, and a Long-Term Survivor. In the beginning, my diagnosis was delivered to me as a death sentence, and I am happy to say that is no longer the case, thanks to medication and a tribe of people who love and support me. I now live my life, undetectable and full of faith, life, love, joy, and happiness. One of my purposes in life is to fight against stigma by educating people everywhere I go about HIV/AIDS. I believe if we eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS those who are living afraid and in silence will no longer have to live that way.
Eugenia recently spoke with students from the R25 Quantitative Methods in HIV/AIDS Summer Internship program during their orientation week. The students all felt that having Eugenia talk to them about her lived experience was powerful and impactful, helping to center the work they will do this summer as they support ongoing research projects.
We are grateful for Eugenia's advocacy and the expertise and experience she brings to the CFAR. Congratulations, Eugenia!
Learn more about the HIV 50+ Strong & Healthy Cohort.