We are Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit devoted to positively changing lives in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Through HIV prevention, housing and care, our work to end the HIV epidemic is essential to a healthy community.
Reilly has worked with the HIV+ community and in HIV prevention for 16 years. During this time he has provided testing and counseling services along with one-on-one and group work with those living with HIV. Reilly also spearheaded local syringe exchange efforts to better serve the community of those who inject drugs and was a driving force behind the 2014 Ohio law that allowed for syringe exchange/access throughout the state. He was voted “Advocate of the Year” in Citybeat’s 2011 Best of the City issue, received the Oscar Armstrong award from Public Allies in 2013, and The Cincinnati Exchange Project was awarded the 2015 Health Care Heroes award from the Cincinnati Business Courier. He is a fellow for Caring Ambassadors and also sits on the Ohio Health Modernization Movement steering committee. This is his sixth year leading Caraconference planning.
Katrina Balovlenkov is a licensed clinical social worker and independent consultant with over 20 years’ experience as a consumer advocate, and respected public systems professional implementing best practices in HIV/AIDS, harm reduction, mental health, substance use, hepatitis, comprehensive sexual health care and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. Throughout her career, Katrina has worked with city, state and federal partners in various consumer advisory roles applying public health policies designed to address stigma, improve quality of care and health disparities.
Katrina has over 10 years of experience leading AIDS Service Organizations and divisions within Article 28 FQHCs and academic medical institutions and works as a subject matter expert providing technical assistance in curriculum development, capacity building assistance, evidenced based trainings, qualitative research, community needs assessments, grant writing and continuing professional education. In addition to being a professor of macro social work practice for Columbia University and NYU University, she continues to work directly with clients in the community as a licensed clinical therapist.
Carl Fox was diagnosed with HIV in 1985, during a time when the AIDS epidemic was at its peak and treatments were still in their infancy. He vowed to survive so he could testify to what people with HIV and AIDS encountered back then. Carl has witnessed the evolution of HIV care and the profound changes in both medical treatment and societal attitudes. His journey reflects resilience, courage and a deep commitment to advocating for those living with HIV. Carl is a participant in the federally funded TRAILBLAZER study, a cutting-edge clinical research initiative focusing on genetic engineering to potentially find a functional cure for HIV. The study is being conducted in collaboration with several institutions, including the University of Cincinnati. Over the decades, Carl has demonstrated remarkable resilience, proving that living with HIV is about more than just survival—it’s about leading a full and thriving life.
LaShawna Whitehead is a mother of two girls and grandmother to two boys. She was a state-tested nurse aide (STNA) for 14 years before returning to college for an associate’s degree in Medical Billing and Coding. She also has experience as a receptionist and administrative assistant with Alternative Healthcare Training Center. Currently, LaShawna is an active member of the Humble Heart and Pozitive Attitudes support groups and serves on the NeighborHub Health Consumer Advisory Board.
Reilly has worked with the HIV+ community and in HIV prevention for 16 years. During this time he has provided testing and counseling services along with one-on-one and group work with those living with HIV. Reilly also spearheaded local syringe exchange efforts to better serve the community of those who inject drugs and was a driving force behind the 2014 Ohio law that allowed for syringe exchange/access throughout the state. He was voted “Advocate of the Year” in Citybeat’s 2011 Best of the City issue, received the Oscar Armstrong award from Public Allies in 2013, and The Cincinnati Exchange Project was awarded the 2015 Health Care Heroes award from the Cincinnati Business Courier. He is a fellow for Caring Ambassadors and also sits on the Ohio Health Modernization Movement steering committee. This is his sixth year leading Caraconference planning.