The recent announcement of the death of Ron Daniels, award winning public health advocate and addiction counselor, has deeply saddened the DC CFAR community.
Mr. Daniels worked on HIV/AIDS and substance abuse issues in DC for over 20 years, working at the grassroots level to ensure people suffering from HIV, Hepatitis C and chemical dependency received the essential services they needed to recover from the scourge of addiction and to survive living with HIV/AIDS. Through numerous community-based and major health care organizations, Daniels spread the gospel of harm reduction and shepherded hundreds of marginalized people into the quality care, treatment and support. Daniels also worked closely with investigators on formative research for the people who inject drugs (PWID) cycle of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) and the CARE+ Technology Research exploring efficacy employing computer technology and text messaging for linkage and adherence to care.
The DC CFAR honors the tireless advocacy of Ron Daniels on behalf of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the District. He will be greatly missed.
To read more about Mr. Daniels and his work, read this article from the Washington Post.