Group advises White House, HHS on National HIV/AIDS Strategy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Association of Social Workers (NASW) President Darrell Wheeler, Ph.D., ACSW, MPH, today was appointed vice chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA), a group that gives the White House recommendations on how to effectively implement the Updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
“Darrell Wheeler is a leading national expert on HIV/AIDS and how social workers help improve the quality of life of people living with the disease and their families,” NASW CEO Angelo McClain, Ph.D., LICSW, said. “We are proud that a leader of NASW and the social work profession will now help lead a distinguished group of public health officials, social workers, community leaders and others to promote the treatment, prevention and cure of HIV and AIDS.”
Besides providing recommendations to the White House, PACHA gives advice, information and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding programs and policies intended to promote effective prevention and care of HIV and AIDS.
PACHA has up to 25 members. Appointees are considered prominent community leaders and authorities with particular expertise in, or knowledge of, matters concerning HIV and AIDS, public health, global health and more.
Wheeler said he was proud to be selected to be a part of group and vice chair.
"My intent is to continue the legacy in the process of alleviating and preventing this epidemic," Wheeler said. "I plan to be a good steward of this council and work with the chair to execute the ongoing good work this body has created.”
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The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 130,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.