The Rutgers School of Nursing’s François-Xavier Bagnoud Center (FXB Center) HIV Clinical Practice team has been awarded the Pride of Rutgers in Frontline Service award, as part of the annual Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program. This award recognizes and celebrates the dedication, exceptional performance, and positive impact of frontline staff members at Rutgers University. The clinic team was nominated by Carol Davison, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Clinic Director; Heidi Haiken, MSW, MPH, LCSW, Co-Clinic Director; and Andrea Norberg, DNP, MSN, RN, former Executive Director, FXB Center (Retired).
The FXB Center’s HIV Clinical Practice promotes community health through its compassionate, coordinated care for approximately 100 clients with HIV and their families, improving viral load suppression rates from 86% to 93%, moving closer to the national goal of 95% to end the HIV epidemic. This success stems from an interdisciplinary, patient-centered approach, which includes the seamless integration of new treatment therapies, tackling barriers like insurance and housing instability, and fostering long-term, trusting relationships, some with patients remaining in care for an average of 18 years. Furthermore, the FXB clinic team has celebrated another critical milestone by maintaining zero new perinatal HIV infections since 2020 through diligent coordination with obstetrics, underscoring their commitment to exemplary patient care.
Meet the frontline service team, the pride of the Rutgers School of Nursing, FXB Center, HIV Clinical Practice:
Lisa Monti – A clinical powerhouse, Lisa ensures treatment adherence, navigates insurance complexities, and pioneered protocols for injectable antiretrovirals—directly contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced transmission rates.
Dawn McLaughlin – A vigilant case manager, Dawn tracks lab results and proactively supports patients with high viral loads, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
Josephine DiLena – More than a dietitian, Josephine is a lifeline for patients facing food insecurity. She empowers clients to focus on healing by addressing one of the most basic needs, nutrition.
Beata Zammit – A mental health advocate and innovator, Beata provides therapeutic counseling that addresses the root causes of treatment fatigue. Her holistic approach bridges the gap between mental health and medical care.
Erica Williams – A beacon of emotional support, Erica meets patients where they are, offering guidance, resources, and a compassionate ear that makes all the difference.
James Colabelli – The newest team member, James, has quickly become indispensable. His work with pregnant and postpartum clients and his ability to secure essential resources have earned praise from clients and partner agencies.
The remarkable longevity of most staff members speaks to their steadfast dedication to providing exceptional care. There are many facets to each person’s role at FXB; their unified approach and unwavering commitment to the clients they serve collectively strengthen the physical, mental, and psychosocial outcomes of each individual the program serves. FXB clients are more than patients to this team; they are seen as family.
We congratulate the FXB HIV Clinical Practice team on this honorable achievement.