MAY-22-13 IDSA is asking for you to join them and lend your name to a letter in support of PEPFAR funding for the next fiscal year. Click here to read the letter and sign by Monday, June 3-Noon Eastern time.

MAY-20-13 Dr. Ronald Valdiserri writes to recognize the second anniversary of Combating the Silent Epidemic of Viral Hepatitis: Action Plan for the Prevention, Care & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis and to share an important announcement from Dr. Howard Koh about plans to update and renew the existing plan through 2014-2016.

MAY-17-13 Please join the Forum in congratulating Nina Mani on an exciting new career move. Nina is leaving the Forum, but she is not going far – starting June 3 she will join the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation Research, Division of Antiviral Products. That we will miss her is the understatement of the century. But the offer to join our colleagues at the FDA as a project manager presented a phenomenal opportunity – an excellent fit for her career path. We congratulate Jeff, Kim, Jules and Patrick on an excellent choice! We imagine that many of you will have the pleasure of interacting with her in her new capacity.

MAY-16-13 Dr. Howard Koh, the Assistant Secretary for Health, announced on May 16 that the partner agencies are committed and dedicated to renewing the Action Plan for another three years and are currently working on their vision and priorities for 2014-2016.

MAY-10-13 We are saddened to report the death of James Goodrich, PhD, MD of ViiV Healthcare, a member of the Forum’s Executive Committee. Jim passed away unexpectedly last weekend and is survived by his wife, Carolyn and two teenage daughters. A memorial service for Jim will be held this summer on a date to be determined. Jim has been a considered and thoughtful participant on the Executive Committee. His desire to improve care for patients, direct approach and sense of humor will be missed. Please join us in keeping Jim’s family in our thoughts and prayers.