The AIDS Foundation of Chicago has announced that internationally known HIV/ AIDS activist and advocate Jim Pickett has joined the staff as director of public policy.
A person living with HIV, Pickett arrives at AFC after completing a five-year consultancy with the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Division of STD/HIV/AIDS, leading its Faces of AIDS public education campaign and working on the city’s syphilis elimination project, among other activities. Pickett writes a regular column called ‘Pickett Fences’ for Positively Aware; operates an e-mail listserv on HIV/AIDS prevention and care issues; and speaks across the country about the importance of microbicide research, especially among gay men.
‘We are thrilled to have Jim on board,’ said Associate Director David Munar. ‘His skills in grassroots activism and policy communications will enhance AFC’s ability to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic at the local, state, and national levels.’
Pickett will work closely with AFC’s Director of State Affairs Karen Reitan and other AFC staff to advocate for increased government resources for HIV/AIDS services and science-based prevention strategies. In addition, he will work to enact public policies and laws that help decrease the stigma of AIDS and protect the rights of people living with the disease.