Richard Jefferys, Director
Michael Palm Basic Science, Vaccines, and Prevention Project Director

Richard Jefferys joined TAG in November 2001. He began working in the HIV/AIDS field in 1993, as a volunteer at New York City-based non-profit AIDS Treatment Data Network (the Network). He was hired by the Network in mid-1994 to direct "The Access Project," a nationwide survey of State AIDS Drug Assistance (ADAP) and Medicaid programs. As Access Project Director, Mr. Jefferys co-authored several reports including "The Access Project Report" (1995) and the "ADAP Monitoring Project Report" series from 1997 to 2001 (in collaboration with the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors). Additional duties at the Network included co-writing and editing the organization's treatment publications, including the "Treatment Review" newsletter, the "Simple Facts Project" fact sheets, the "Information Bulletin" and the "Experimental Treatment Guide" (a clinical trial directory for the New York region).

In an advocacy role at the Network, Mr. Jefferys co-chaired the data subcommittee of the ADAP Working Group, which produced annual ADAP budget projections for consideration by Congress and State governments. He was an active member of the Fair Pricing Coalition and participated in the establishment of the Health GAP Coalition. Mr. Jefferys also presented on treatment- and treatment access-related issues at local and international meetings, including the National AIDS Treatment Advocates Forum (NATAF), the United States Conference on AIDS and the National ADAP Forum.

Mr. Jefferys left the Network in early 2001 to write about HIV immunology and vaccines for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Report. He has also written on these topics for HIVPlus, GMHC Treatment Issues, CRIA Update, POZ Magazine and TAGLine.

His areas of special interest include HIV immunology and pathogenesis, immune based therapies, vaccines, and access to treatment & healthcare in both the national and international settings.

Mr. Jefferys was born and raised on the outskirts of London, England. Before moving to New York in 1992, he worked in local government at Islington Council in London. While employed by the Council he served as a trade union shop steward for the National Association of Local Government Officers (NALGO) and helped establish a lesbian & gay caucus at NALGO's Islington branch. He also released three dance records in the early 90's, two for London-based labels and one for the NYC imprint NuGroove.
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