News and Events

SAVE THE DATE! 

WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVATION!

Join RWJAP, the Middlesex County Department of Human Services, Division of HIV/AIDS Services, and the "Our Voices" Client Caucus as we observe World AIDS Day on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 in the Arline and Henry Schwartzman Courtyard from 10 am - 2 pm. 

Featuring:  World AIDS Day Art Show

                   Memorial Service

                   Performance Artist - Pandora Scooter and more.

click for more flyer

Learn about "Codey's Law" and how this will impact testing for HIV in pregnancy.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008                8 am to 3:30 pm

New Jersey Hospital Association Conference Center

Perinatal Conference:  Preventing Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission in New Jersey

for more information or to register

Peds ID Celebrates the Class of 2008 - July 15, 2008

The doctors and staff of Peds ID hosted a graduation celebration for five patients in the class of 2008.  Peds ID is very proud of the accomplishments of these five young people as they move on in various ways; working full time, college, graduate school, and parenthood. 

Congratulations!  You're on Your Way!

Macy's Shop for a Cause - Saturday, September 20, 2008 

Shop 'till you Drop and help a family living with HIV.

Macy's will be celebrating a nation day of support for local non-profit organizations in the community and has invited the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program to be one of its beneficiaries.  If you would like to support RWJAP in this event all you need to do is purchase a shopping pass for $5.00 and enjoy shopping on 9/20/08 at any Macy's with a 20% off coupon and a chance to enter a $500 drawing.  Please contact Margaretanne Reina at 732-235-8504 for a shopping pass or for more information.  View flyer

National HIV Testing Day - June 27, 2008

Do you know your status?  In observance of National HIV Testing Day - RWJAP will be offering free Rapid HIV Testing from 10 am - 2:30 pm in Suite I.  For more information contact Blanca Jackson at 732-235-6142.  View flyer

"A Star is Born"

   RWJAP's Nurse Case Managers Judy Kenny and Mary Jones, HIV Counselor Knikki Blanc, Program Volunteer Roxanne Rengifo attended the Centray New Jersey Maternal Child Health Consortium's "A Star is Born" Community Baby Showers in Plainfield on April 9th and in New Brunswick on May 3rd.   Amanda Persaud, Program Coordinator for the Middlesex County Consortium organized this shower for first time moms and moms to be in the New Brunswick area.  Attendees were educated on basic baby care, car seat safety, post partum depression, and breast feeding and were treated to great lunch from the Carribean Cafe.  To learn more about HIV and pregnancy:

HIV and Pregnancy Ten Things You Should Know    El VIH y el embarazo Diez cosas que debe saber                               

RWJAP's Volunteer Marlene Auciello receives the "Outstanding Citizen Award" at the 2008 Samuel Gompers Achievement Awards Annual Scholarship Brunch.

On April 27, 2008, the Somerset County Central Labor Council recognized Marlene Auciello for her fundraising efforts to benefit the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program.  Each year Marlene works with RWJAP's Dr. Sunanda Gaur, Ms. Roseann Marone, and Fr. Anthony Sirriani to raise funds to hold a Holiday Party for RWJAP's patients and families.  Each year Marlene asks labor unions throughout Middlesex and Somerset County for donations to host a special lunch, party, and gifts for all.  Marlene's efforts have led to over $5,000 in aid each year for this special event. 

Congratulations Marlene on this well deserved award!

Children's AIDS Network holds benefit for RWJAP!

The Children's AIDS Network of Rutgers University presented "Notes of Hope" to benefit the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program on Thursday, April 24th at the Busch Campus Student Center.  This well attended benefit featured the musical talents of Neah Lee, Shauna Park, and Miss Vintage and raised well over $850.  RWJAP extends their sincerest thanks to the efforts of CAN for hosting this event.  Great job!

ID around the globe!

Dr. Sunanda Gaur presented at the HIV Congress 2008 in Bombay India, March 21 - 23, 2008.  Her presentation ""Prevention of Perinatal HIV Transmission : The US Experience" was well received by physicians providing HIV care in India as well as neighboring countries.
View presentation

Congratulations!

Roseann Marone, RN, BSN, MPH, Program Coordinator for the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program was awarded the "Not Your Average Nurse Award" in the Public Health/Community category at the 2008 March of Dimes Reality Awards Gala.  Roseann was presented this award in recognition of her career contribution in the maternal child public health arena. 

March 10th is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

This year's theme is:  Honoring Our Sisters:  Women Living with HIV/AIDS.

Click for more information:  National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day or

                                            Learn More about Women and HIV/AIDS

GRAND OPENING - Sunday, February 24th, and Monday, February 25th -   Irayna Court, a shared project of the Reformed Church of Highland Park-Affordable Housing Corporation, MIPH - Making it Possible to End Homelessness, and the Reformed Church of Highland Park.  Irayna Court is permanent housing with supportive survices for women aging out of the state foster care system.  For more information contact:  MIPH at 732-729-7777 or RCHP-AHC at 732-249-7349.

Caregiver Support Group:

Led by Chaplains Ann Shamy and Charlotte Mallory, the RWJAP Caregiver Support Group will meet on the following Tuesdays at 4:30 pm in Ambulatory Care Suite I.  Join fellow caretakers to share experiences, lend support, and make new friends.  Upcoming dates:  2/12/08; 3/4/08; 4/8/08; 5/13/08  Click here for a flyer

Santa and his helpers make a visit! 

Families of the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program were treated to a Holiday Party on Saturday, December 9, 2007.  Teamwork made this party a great success!

Many Thanks to:

The Rutgers CAN students who entertained the families with music, games, crafts, and Santa,

Father Anthony Siriani and the St. Theodore's Parish Youth Group who donated gifts for families, made "cookie mix" centerpieces, helped serve lunch, entertained the little ones, and set up and 'broke down" after the party

Local Unions who donate funds each year to provide gifts and lunch.

The following individuals and community groups who sponsored families:

Angelwish Foundation, Beirne Family & Friends, UMDNJ/Cardiology Group, Central Jersey Zeta Alumni, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Foodarama Supermarkets, Susan Gallagher, The Gund Foundation, Immaculate Conception Church, St. Andrews Church, St. Augustine of Canterbury Giving Tree Committee, St. Charles Borromeo Church, St. Mathews Social Ministry, St. Theodore Church, Marantha Baptist Fellowship, Rainbow Academy, Robert Frost Elementary Schools, and the Weiss-Thole Family.

Staff of RWJAP:  Blanca Jackson, Roseann Marone, Mary Jones, Debra Subers, Judy Kenny, Gail Burack, Knikki Blanc, and Jessica Vence.

RWJAP OBSERVED WORLD AIDS DAY  on 12/4/07 - Take the Lead, Stop AIDS!

On World AIDS Day, we gather together to acknowledge the HIV/AIDS epidemic, to look at how the disease has evolved, and to look to the future of the disease by:

remembering lives that have been lost, acknowledging and supporting those living with the disease, and by taking action to prevent future infections.

Individuals living with HIV/AIDS are experiencing longer and more fruitful lives.  This has been accomplished by the concentrated efforts of the medical and research community, patients, political leaders, celebrities, and the concerned public.  Great strides have been made on this front, but more needs to be done to further reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS and to find a cure. 

You can Take the Lead to Stop AIDS by:

getting tested, encouraging others to get tested, and writing to your political leaders to fund research for a cure.

What you can do:  Join a campaign - Stop AIDS in Children

                              Wear a red ribbon and encourage your friends                                      to do  the same.

                              Protect yourself and your partners.  This is the                                        best way to stop AIDS.

Get tested.            Free confidential testing is available -                                                  call 732-235-6142.

            Make a donation to an AIDS organization.  Donate

On Saturday, October 13, 2007 the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program raised $475 at Macy's Shop for a Cause Event.  RWJAP staff sold coupons to friends and family for a special discounted day of shopping at Macy's on October 13th.  Congratulations to Pat Ayala, who also won a $25 gift card to Macy's for selling the most coupons in the division. 

PEDS ID FACULTY WELCOME JANAK K. MANIAR, MD

On Monday, October 8, 2007 Dr. Sunanda Gaur and the ID Division hosted Dr. J.K. Maniar, Consultant in HIV Medicine at the Jasiok Hospital and Research Centre of Bombay, India and Sr. Vice President of the AIDS Society of India.  Dr. Maniar presented a lecture on the HIV Epidemic in India; Clinical Management.  The lecture was well received by faculty, staff, and fellows.  Following the presentation, Dr. Maniar observed the clinical facilities here at UMDNJ. 

Annual Heel to Heal - raises: $1,720

On September 30, 2008 the Peds ID Team raised $1,720 for the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program.  This is the 3rd year Peds ID has participated in this event, each year our fundraising increases, as does our fun.  Participants enjoyed a sunny day in Johnson Park, walking and cycling followed by a great BBQ.  Special thanks to the Rutgers University Children's AIDS Network (CAN pictured on the left) who joined our team. 

Recently published: 

Title:  Protease inhibitor associated mutations compromise the efficacy of therapy human immunodeficiency virus - 1 (HIV-1) infected pediatric patients: a cross-sectional study.  Published July 2007 in AIDS Research and Therapy 2007, 4:15doi:10.1186/1742-6405-4-15.  View article

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of HIV-1 mutagenesis on the clinical, virological and immunological presentation of HIV disease that is fundamental to optimizing the treatment regimens for these patients.

Investigators:   Amisha Malhotra, MD, Sunanda Gaur, MD, Patricia Whitley-Williams, MD, Caitlin Loomis, BA, and Anna Petrova, MD, MPH

Newly Awarded Grants:

The Milton Schamach Foundation, Inc, has approved a grant in the amount of $12,000 to be used toward the purchase of equipment and supplies to be used in the preparation, copying, and distribution of health education materials for the newly established South Asian Total Health Initiative. 

MAGYAR BANK has awarded RWJAP $1,000 to be used for the Positive Story Project, a collection of poems, stories, and artwork by HIV positive adolescents to be published in the near future.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has awarded RWJAP $9,088 for a CATCH grant to fund The Psychiatric Consultation Project for HIV + Youth which will look at the boundaries HIV + children and adolescents face while seeking mental health services.  RWJAP's grant application was oone of 40 proposals funded from 85 submitted.  Special thanks to Dr. Gail Burack for this effort!

The newly established South Asian Total Health Initiative has been designated a Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grant Recipient.  The foundation has awarded SATHI a $13,000 grant for a radio show on EBC radio addressing Disabilities in the South Asian Community.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2007

Tuesday, July 17, 2007 was a special day for the Peds ID Class of 2007.  Eight of our high school graduates, their friends and families were treated to a reception to toast their achievements.   The "Graduation Event" was hosted by the Johnson and Johnson Human Resources Leadership Development Program*.  Under the direction of Kelly Caldiero, Manager, Human Resources Leadership Development Program, Kimberly Clarke, and Lena Tai, interns Matt Gillin, Jonathon Brinker, Michelle Cammarata, Erin Wilson, and Kate Edwards put together a wonderful program, including a guest speaker, a "cap signing", and a delicious (and nutritious) meal.  Interns also surprised the graduates with gifts solicited from J&J affiliates.  Backpacks were filled to the brim with goodies, including fleece jackets, mugs, computer supplies, and healthcare products.  Each student also received a portable stereo to outfit their new dorm rooms when they head out to college this fall.  Each family also received a backpack of surprises.

The Peds ID staff and J&J interns extend our CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2007 and wish you well in your future endeavors.

*Human Resources Leadership Development Program (HRLDP)

The Johnson & Johnson Human Resources Leadership Development Program is a two and a half year rotational program that provides recent master's-level graduates in human resources or related disciplines, such as benefits, compensation, recruiting, or training and development, the opportunity to accelerate their career growth.

Eighteen patients of the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program were invited to spend a week at Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Storrs, Connecticut July 5 – 11th, 2007. Blanca Jackson, RN and Eddie, Student Assistant accompanied patients to camp where they were treated to a week of special activities designed to provide a week of fun and escape from their daily health problems. Activities included horseback riding, arts and crafts, rock climbing, and swimming. Thanks to RWJAP’s donors, campers were outfitted for the week, received new lunch boxes with drinks and snacks for the long bus ride to and from camp, and enjoyed spending a fun filled week in a beautiful setting.

RWJAP would like to thank Mr. Paul Newman and the staff of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for extending their hospitality to our special kids. 

Please read a nurse's and a counselor's reflections:

What does this experience bring to staff?

WELL DONE!

Patricia Whitley-Williams, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Immunology, Allergy, and Infectious Diseases, was awarded the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Outstanding Medical Educator Award on May 9, 2007.  The Division extends Congratulations to Dr. Whitley-Williams and is proud of her many accomplishments. 

Congratulations Dr. Whitley-Willliams!!

Upon being honored by the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women as a 2007 Woman of Achievement in Medicine/Health Services.  This honor was bestowed upon Dr. Whitley-Williams by Denise Coyle, Freeholder Deputy Director on behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the County of Somerset, New Jersey, for her contributions to improve the quality of life in Somerset County. 

Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program marks the 25th Anniversary of AIDS!

On Friday, December 1st, the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program noted the 25th anniversary of the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS at a special WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT.  Sponsored by the Middlesex County Department of Human Services, the New Brunswick Development Corporation, the Eric B. Cha ndler Health Center , Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital, the day featured consumer panels, service provider information booths, and an art contest.  Free, confidential rapid HIV testing was offered throughout the day, with results provided within 20 minutes. Pictured to the left is Keynote Speaker, Ionel Belfiore, addressing the audience on his personal experience living with AIDS. 

In honor of World AIDS Day 2006 HIV infected patients and students from two area schools were asked to create a work of art representing this year's World AIDS Day theme, "Don't Turn Your Back on AIDS." 

The People's Choice Awards (2 tickets to the State Theatre, Crossroads Theatre, and the George Street Playhouse) went to:

Group 1 - Middle School Group:  Kevin Rocha

Group 2 - High School Group:  Michael Baksh

Group 3 - Women's Group:  Jackie Willliams

The Zimmerli Art Museum Award (a $50 Border's Gift Certificate) went to

Alexandra Fernandez.

Honorable Mentions went to:

Evelyn Torres, Cynthia Aldamo, and Dexter Campbell.

Special thanks to Priya Gaur, RWJAP Volunteer, Art Teachers Barbara DeBaylo of the New Brunswick Sciences and Technology High School and Circe Dunnel of the Rutgers Preparatory School, Alfredo Franco of the Zimmerli Art Museum, and the New Brunswick Development Corporation for all their efforts in making this exhibition possible.

RWJAP HOSTS VISITING SCHOLAR FROM MUMBAI, INDIA

Mamatha Lala, MD, (pictured here with the RWJAP faculty and staff - bottom row right) a Pediatric AIDS physician at the Wadia Group of Hospitals in Mumbai, India spent two weeks with the Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program between November 27, 2006 and December 8, 2006.  During this tenure Dr. Lala observed outpatient clinics and inpatient wards, receiving hands on experience in antiretroviral treament protocols and observed Pediatric HIV care delivery in the US setting.  In addition, she gave three conferences to our faculty colleagues, pediatric residents and medical students on updates on the pediatric and perinatal HIV scenario in India.  It was a pleasure to have Dr. Lala with us. 

RWJAP extends its thanks to the interns listed below for their extraordinary efforts.

Katherine Beckwith, MD, a third year Family Medicine resident, rotated through RWJAP from 9/6/06 to 10/2/06.  While with our program she revised medication sheets to hand out to patients when they start a new medication.  It was a pleasure to have Katherine with us for her clerkship. 

Tiffany Eckert, a Rutgers University Case student completed her 40 hour Case rotation on Friday, December 8, 2006.  Tiffany created an English/Spanish HIV teaching tool to be used in conjunction with the Robbie Book to teach newly disclosed children about HIV/AIDS.  Thanks Tiffany for a job well done.

Tina Madden, a student at Rutgers University completed a 6 week Physician Shadowing Program sponsored by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital's Volunteer Services program.  This 6 week program teams up students with physician mentors.  Tina shadowed Dr. Sunanda Gaur, Professor of Pediatrics and while with Peds ID developed a parent's guide to MRSA.  Her efforts are much appreciated.

Recently Awarded Grants

RWJAP has been selected to receive a grant of $40,000 in support of the Perinatal Pregnancy Partnership.  This grant was awarded by the New Jersey AIDS Partnership as part of a Community Partnership Grant funded through the National AIDS Fund.  The Perinatal Pregnancy Partnership will provide intensive medical management and care coordination services during the perinatal period for HIV+ pregnant women in Plainfield and Trenton.  The term of the partnership is July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008.

RWJAP was awarded a $2,500 grant from the New York Mercantile Exchange Foundation in August, 2007 at the recommendation of committee member Jack Kamin to provide children and young adults living with AIDS psychosocial support via therapeutic programs aimed at easing their transition to adulthood.  Currently, Dr. Gail Burack and Ms. Eleanor Peterson run bi-monthly Adolescent Support Groups and Transition Groups. 

RWJAP received a $5,000 grant in the Health and Social Services Category from the M·A·C· AIDS Fund partially cover the cost of transportation of clients to and from Therapeutic Support Groups from 1/1/2007 - 12/31/2007.  The M·A·C· AIDS Fund receives its funding through the sale of M·A·C· VIVA Glam lipsticks and the Kids Helping Kids holiday card program. 

The New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services awarded RWJAP a grant in the amount of $79,996 to offer RAPID HIV Testing in the Emergency Rooms of both RWJUH and BMSCH beginning January 1, 2005. Confidential HIV Testing and Counseling is now provided by staff of RWJAP and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School's Testing and Counseling Service. For additional information regarding this new initiative contact Roseann Marone, Program Coordinator at 732-235-7383.

The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation has awarded RWJAP a grant of $16,675 to support RWJAP's support groups from January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006.  Funds will be used to provide transportation, meals, and supplies to keep these groups running throughout the year.

RWJAP has been awarded a 2006 Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Planning Funds grant in the amount of $10,000 from the American Academy of Pediatrics.  "The vision of CATCH is for every child in every community to have amedical home and other needed services to reach optimal health and well-being . . . a major goal of the Academy."  RWJAP will use these funds to devise a system to transition pediatric patients into adult care as they become of age.