Raynald Joseph is the Prevention Supervisor for AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS), the primary community-based organization servicing people living with HIV in Rhode Island. While at ACOS I have worked in a number of positions including Outreach Worker, Prevention Worker, and Prevention Specialist/Outreach Coordinator which has given me intimate knowledge and understanding of the needs and perspectives of these various populations.  As the Prevention Supervisor, I currently manage all of the prevention programs within ACOS including Rhode Island’s only needle exchange program ENCORE. In this role I work with many HIV and HCV-vulnerable populations and have particular experience with People Who Use Drugs and have acquired or may be at risk of acquiring HCV.  I am deeply passionate about the community I live and work in.  Working and serving in the community that I have grown up in has allowed me to give back in numerous ways; 1. I am able to provide education and services to a vulnerable population, in a manner that is well received. 2. I am able to empower the community by hiring and working with people that reflect and come from the community served by ACOS.   

I also serve as the Co-Chair for the Providence/Boston Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Community Engaged Research Council (C-CERC), where I work closely with researchers and leaders of other community-based organizations as well as the Rhode Island Department of Health in strategic planning for HIV research in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  This position has provided me with experience in connecting communities and patients to the research community, as well as translating the needs of those I represent to world-class researchers.