Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium (SHARC)
Mission
The mission of the Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium (SHARC) is to improve health outcomes and reduce
HIV transmission among the diverse range of populations affected by alcohol and HIV infection in the Southeastern
United States. Within this mission, SHARC is focusing on persons living in Florida, a state with high HIV incidence,
substantial population diversity, and a high number of older persons living with HIV. To fulfil this mission, SHARC will
foster translational, interdisciplinary research by providing research infrastructure, training and mentoring.
Focus Areas
Aging with HIV infection (chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, immunological aging), Neurocognition and HIV
(memory, brain function, HIV-associated neurocognitive deficiency), Immunology (immunology and aging, inflammation,
effects of alcohol and drugs on immune function), Health services research (engagement in HIV care and treatment,
implementation of alcohol treatment), Mental health and substance abuse co-morbidities
Interdisciplinary research
SHARC supports faculty and students from a wide range of scientific disciplines, including medicine, immunology,
epidemiology, biostatistics, nursing, clinical and health psychology, and health services research. Our goal is to connect
our basic science research to interventions that can be delivered in clinical practice.
Collaborations
Academic institutions, Florida Department of Health, Community health departments, community agencies, National
Institutes of Health, Consortia for HIV/AIDS and Alcohol Related Research Translation, National HIV Cohorts (WIHS,
MACS, VACS)
The SHARC is part of a network of Consortiums for HIV/AIDS and Alcohol Research Translation (CHAART), supported by
the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). SHARC also receives support from the University of
Florida Office of Research, Florida International University Office of Research, and the University of Miami Clinical
Research Center.
Ongoing research projects
Will having alcohol treatment improve functioning? (WHAT-IF?)
U01 AA020797 (RL Cook)
A randomized clinical trial of naltrexone vs. placebo for women with HIV and heavy alcohol consumption.
Immune dys-regulation in HIV-infected women with heavy alcohol consumption U01 AA020800 (S Desai)
A study of the long term effects of alcohol consumption on immune function and senescence in participants in the
ongoing Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) Cohort.
The Florida Cohort
U24 AA022002 (RL Cook)
A statewide cohort study of PLWH in Florida to track HIV services and outcomes in up to 1500 persons with a focus on
health issues related to substance use and mental health conditions.
Ongoing analyses of existing datasets
Platelets mediating alcohol and HIV damage
R01 AA018095 (MJ Miguez)
This study seeks to investigate platelets and Platelet associated factors action on both immune and cognitive
dysfunction in HIV infected persons who abuse alcohol.
Medical Monitoring Project (Collaboration with Florida DOH)
U24 AA022002 (C Cook)
A CDC-sponsored annual survey of a representative sample of Persons with HIV in Florida.
Longitudinal study of HIV and aging (Brown University consortium)
A cohort study of neurocognitive function and anatomy in persons with HIV.
www.sharc-research.org
(R Cohen)