Center for HIV and Research in Mental Health (CHARM)
CHARM (P30MH116867) seeks to reduce the impact of mental health and health inequities across the HIV prevention and care continua in areas of the U.S. that are heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS. Our focus is to:
- Coordinate HIV research
- Support and mentor new and established investigators new to HIV
- Provide research methods assistance
- Support culturally competent research addressing multilevel HIV/AIDS-related mental health disparity factors
We offer the expertise and resources to strengthen mental health-related HIV prevention and care research and reduce the impact of mental health disparities as barriers to behavioral and biobehavioral approaches in HIV prevention and care.
MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS)
More than 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and they’re more likely to develop chronic diseases than AIDS-related diseases. The MAC/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (U01HL146203), funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a collaborative research effort that aims to understand and reduce the impact of chronic health conditions that affect people living with HIV, including heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders.
Call us at 305-243-2188 for more information.
PIs: Maria L. Alcaide, M.D.; Margaret Fischl, M.D.; Deborah L. Jones, Ph.D.
A Comprehensive Translational Initiative On Novel coronavirus (ACTION 3)
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19, a pandemic that has resulted in extreme challenges for health care systems, the global scientific community, and public health. The overall objectives of this study are to recruit individuals in Miami into a longitudinal cohort that will serve as a robust platform for future multidisciplinary research focused on SARS-CoV-2.And to evaluate the viral persistence, immunological responses, psychosocial factors, and intra-host SARS-CoV-2 evolution of those affected by COVID-19 and to develop an artificial intelligence algorithm to predict novel variants in Miami.
Call us at 305-243-2188 for more information.
PIs: Maria L. Alcaide, M.D.
Comprehensive Research on Oral and mental health among Women (CROWN) Study
Oral health problems and unmet dental needs are prevalent in women living with HIV (WWH). For WWH across the lifespan, physiological changes that induce fluctuating hormone levels (e.g., puberty, pregnancy, aging) can also significantly impact oral health, most commonly through exaggerated periodontal inflammation. Neglected dental care and negative oral symptomatology can play a significant role in overall health by impacting everyday function, e.g., eating and engaging in social interactions. Oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) is an important multidimensional construct used to evaluate the impact of untreated dental disease on quality of life and well-being. OHRQOL in WWH is impacted not only by oral health conditions, but also by the social determinants of health, age, and mental health symptomatology. Mental health challenges, i.e., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are prevalent in WWH and are associated with poor health outcomes, including oral health conditions. The co-occurrence of depression and HIV infection has been associated with impaired self-care (e.g., reduced oral hygiene, neglected preventive dental treatment), as well as dental side effects from psychotropic medication. Despite the high prevalence of oral and mental health conditions among WWH, there have been no studies addressing the relationship between HIV, oral health, and mental health over the lifespan.
PIs: Deborah L. Jones, Ph.D.; Maria L. Alcaide, M.D.; Daniel J. Feaster, Ph.D.; Carrigan L. Parish, DMD, Ph.D.
Study of Treatment and Reproductive Outcomes (STAR)
Women of reproductive age are significantly impacted by the HIV epidemic. In the United States, nearly one-quarter of the 1.1 million people living with HIV are women. Despite the availability of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), fewer than half of individuals living with HIV in the US achieve viral suppression, primarily due to gaps in retention in care.
The objectives of this proposal are to enroll and retain a cohort of reproductive-age women living with HIV and women affected by social or structural factors contributing to HIV vulnerability. This cohort will serve as a platform for multidisciplinary, longitudinal research examining key clinical, behavioral, and laboratory outcomes across women’s reproductive lives. Additionally, the study will apply innovative approaches to explore the impact of social determinants of health, mental health, reproductive health, and oral health on HIV and pregnancy outcomes.
The long-term goal is to leverage STAR science to inform strategies that improve the health and well-being of women living with HIV, their families, and their communities.
PIs: Maria L. Alcaide, M.D.
Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce (CREW)
The goal of this application is to develop a research training program in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) to inspire a new generation of students to pursue research careers focused on cardiovascular health. We propose an eight-week intensive summer research institute, delivered in partnership between the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSM), Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH), and University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). The USVI, designated by HRSA as a Health Professional Shortage Area, is a culturally distinct region with high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as 80% of residents report at least one major risk factor. VIDOH, the region's primary healthcare provider, faces challenges such as limited healthcare infrastructure, workforce shortages, and reduced research capacity. Additionally, difficulties in retaining skilled professionals further impact the system.
In response, we propose the Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce (CREW) program to increase the knowledge, skills, and motivation of USVI scholars pursuing research careers. UMMSM is a national leader in inclusive research training, with extensive infrastructure and experience supporting learners at all academic levels. Aligned with USVI’s healthcare needs, CREW will leverage UMMSM’s interdisciplinary environment to prepare a cohort of emerging researchers to address CVD and related health inequities. The program’s aims are: 1) to facilitate immersive research experiences for USVI college students addressing CVD; 2) to implement a curriculum that fosters meaningful research engagement and supports students in envisioning a research career; and 3) to establish mentorship networks for ongoing professional development and collaboration.
PIs: Sonjia Kenya, Ed.D.; Deborah L. Jones-Weiss, Ph.D.; Olveen Carrasquillo, M.D., MPH
Pregnancy and infant outcomes, perinatal HIV reservoir, inflammation, immune activation among women living with HIV in the US
This project investigates how maternal HIV exposure, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and immune activation during pregnancy may influence growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants and children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU). Using a transdisciplinary approach, the study examines the potential connections between maternal immunological profiles, ART exposure, and viral reservoirs, and their impact on child health.
Leveraging biospecimens, surveys, and medical records from the STAR cohort, the research focuses on evaluating markers of inflammation, immune activation, and perinatal viral reservoirs. Preliminary findings suggest possible associations between maternal health factors, ART exposure, systemic inflammation, and neurodevelopmental patterns, including cognitive, motor, and growth trajectories in HEU children. Additionally, the study explores clinical trends such as morbidity and hospitalization rates, aiming to better understand immuno-metabolic mechanisms contributing to health outcomes.
The ultimate goal is to generate data that inform early interventions designed to support optimal neurodevelopment and long-term well-being among HEU children. By identifying biological pathways and modifiable factors, the study contributes to strengthening inclusive, evidence-based healthcare strategies that promote health.