UVI Professor Honored for HIV/AIDS Education Efforts

Dr. Gloria B. Callwood, R.N., is the recipient of the 2010 AIDS Education and Training Centers Appreciation Award In Recognition of Outstanding Leadership in HIV Education and Quality Care. The award was announced at the 19th Annual HIV Conference of the Florida/Caribbean AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC), held May 14-15 in Orlando, Fla.

Dr. Callwood is an associate professor in the School of Nursing at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas. She is a clinical specialist in psychiatric/mental health nursing and leader of the Center's training program in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Callwood is also principal investigator and director of the Caribbean Exploratory Research Center on Minority Health Disparities which is located at UVI.

Dr. Callwood said the AETC's work in the Virgin Islands centers on providing local health care professionals - physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists and social workers - with updated information and details on best practices for treating and caring for individuals with HIV/AIDS. "We also stress the importance of testing and providing prevention messages, Dr. Callwood said.

Presenting the award to Dr. Callwood was Dr. Michael Knox, director of the Florida/Caribbean AETC. In opening plenary session remarks, Dr. Knox noted that he and Dr. Callwood had been colleagues since 2002, when - together with representatives from the University of Puerto Rico - they established the Florida/Caribbean AETC. He added that Dr. Callwood has helped the Center to successfully compete for HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He said she has also provided excellent leadership to the Center's training efforts throughout the Virgin Islands. "It is great to be among dedicated professionals who lead the fight against HIV/AIDS," Knox said.

Each year, the Florida/Caribbean AETC recognizes one individual for outstanding service and accomplishments. The conference drew more than 300 participants, representing 24 states and territories, and three countries. More information on the Center is available from the web site: www.faetc.org/index.asp.