Providence/Boston Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)

Brenna McLaughlin’s passion for public health, specifically health inequities among marginalized communities, has led her to working in the HIV sector for the past 6 years. In 2016, she joined Peace Corps Mozambique as a Community Health Specialist to purse her interest in global public health.

For over two years Brenna worked at a local hospital and as a community outreach worker in the HIV sector. Brenna states that the HIV epidemic in rural Mozambique affects cohorts of the population differently compared to here in Boston/Providence but the underlying stigma, myths, and ignorance about the virus is similar. Brenna worked tirelessly to educate the community about HIV prevention, the importance of regular testing and treatment, and increasing awareness about stigma and discrimination.

Brenna’s role in Mozambique was very collaborative. She worked with HIV+ activists, patients, clinicians, teachers, and community leaders to implement programs geared towards the needs and wants of the community.

Brenna recently graduated from Boston University with her MPH in Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Brenna is eager to put her skills to use in the research world. Brenna will be an asset to the Providence/Boston CFAR as well as the CCERC.