Program Coordinator at University of Michigan
About
Alecia M. McCall, PhD is a bio-organic chemist and researcher. She received a BS from Xavier University of Louisiana (2007) and completed her PhD at Louisiana State University (2012). Her dissertation research entailed developing fluorescent porphyrin/BODIPY bioconjugates as potential in vivo imaging agents for colorectal cancers. She also studies with Dr. Oveta Fuller to assist with the Trusted Messenger Intervention (TMI) in Zambia. TMI provides biomedical science-based training about HIV/AIDS to community leaders (i.e. pastors) in hopes to mobilize communities to get tested (Voluntary Counseling and Testing [VCT]) and reduce stigmatization of HIV/AIDS. Currently, she is the program coordinator for the GENESIS Project.
Current Work:
A potentially low-cost highly effective approach to reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS is through the Trusted Messenger Intervention (TMI). TMI mobilizes interaction of high-ranking community influential leaders, or more specifically, religious leaders with their constituents and/or colleagues. TMI provides biomedical science-based training about HIV/AIDS to community leaders such as pastors, their spouses, clergypersons, and officers (e.g. Women's Society, Youth Group).
A controlled study to validate TMI impact currently is being conducted in Zambia in partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) as the host network. Since 2006, participants in TMI workshops have received a scientific explanation of the limited modes of HIV transmission and why HIV is transmitted in only a few body fluids. They learn the key role of VCT and explore how they can effectively help to reduce stigmatization of virus infection. The TMI participants mobilize to develop relationships and collaborations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental resources to combat the effects of HIV/AIDS.
Research Area(s):
