Community Partners

Boston Living Center (BLC)
The Boston Living Center (BLC) is a non-profit community center dedicated to fostering the wellness of people living with HIV/AIDS. They provide free programs and services, including education, support groups, and holistic therapies, in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Through peer leadership and a strong volunteer network, they empower members to live healthy, fulfilling lives and participate fully in their communities.
Visit the BLC Connect to Services page for more information.
Victory Connector
The Victory Connector aims to improve the health and well-being of women-centered and transgender individuals at high risk of opioid overdose and infectious disease by providing harm reduction services. Their services include free HIV/HCV/STD testing, overdose education and Naloxone distribution, syringe services, access to basic needs, and navigation to essential resources like housing and treatment. They strive to help individuals stabilize and ultimately exit street life.

Visit the Victory Connector Connect to Services page for more information.


NeighborHealth
NeighborHealth’s mission is to promote and sustain healthy communities, families, and individuals by providing accessible, person-centered, compassionate, and high-quality health care services toeveryone, regardless of their ability to pay. They are committed to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values in all their endeavors.

Visit the NeighborHealth’s page for more information.

Community Engaged Research Council (C-CERC)

The Community Engaged Research Council (C-CERC) at Brown University is a group that works to improve HIV education, prevention, and treatment in the Providence and Boston areas. The C-CERC also aims to increase research activities that address the needs of the community. 

Goals of the C-CERC 
  • Build and maintain partnerships between the community, community-based organizations, and the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Departments of Health
  • Respond to the needs and interests of the community, particularly those who are living with HIV, struggling with substance addiction, or have histories of incarceration
Membership

The C-CERC’s membership reflects the populations it serves. Brown University is committed to working with community partners to make a positive impact in the Providence and Rhode Island areas. This commitment is aligned with Brown’s mission to advance teaching, learning, and discovery. Services offered:

Application Development:

  • Brainstorm research ideas
  • Application refinement in relation to participants
  • Development of survey items
  • Provide input on specific points to consider in relation to study participation
  • Letters of support from Community Based Organizations
  • Mentor Junior researchers
  • Language Consultation for writing grants and submissions
  • Providence/Boston CFAR Executive Committee representation

Funded Projects:

  • Troubleshoot research barriers
  • Participant liaison – connecting researchers with study participants
  • Help with recruitment
  • Promote partnership with community based organizations
  • Data dissemination

IRB Review:

  • Development of recruitment flyers
  • Consent form Language
  • Provide the voice of the participant

Chair: Paul (Pauly) B. Goulet (Pictured)
Vice Chair: Ray Joseph