Emerging Nonprofit, Herpes Cure Advocacy, Seeks Volunteer Board Members

Herpes Cure Advocacy (HCA) is issuing a call for individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. As an

organization with a growing slate of health policy, education, and research projects, we are looking for

applicants who understand the broad impact of herpes simplex infection and the need for action on

multiple fronts to reduce or eliminate the burdens of these infections. Board members must have a

commitment to our mission, strong leadership skills, and sufficient bandwidth to participate effectively.

About Herpes Cure Advocacy

Herpes Cure Advocacy (HCA) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer-driven, patient advocacy organization. Our vision is a world free of herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 and 2). We work to boost research on vaccines,

treatments, and cures, as well as better diagnostics to help patients and clinicians. Active since 2021 and incorporated in 2022, Herpes Cure Advocacy was born out of collaborative efforts with patient advocates, clinicians, and researchers worldwide. By channeling grassroots efforts in multiple patient

advocate communities globally, HCA harnesses the power of patients themselves to raise awareness and create change.

One of our most successful strategies has been to work through the legislative process to create earmarks within the U.S. government budget for expanded attention to the high prevalence and burden of HSV. Due to HCA efforts, the 2021 U.S. Congressional Budget included funds for a National Strategic Plan for Cure, Treatment and Prevention of Herpes within the Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative has resulted in a joint CDC/NIH Workshop on HSV and an NIH/NIAID Strategic Plan for Herpes Research.

Board of Directors Position Description

HCA relies on its Board of Directors to guide the priorities of the organization, make policy decisions, and volunteer time to help with a variety of projects. Current HCA Board members come from diverse

backgrounds, including experts in virology, infectious disease, neuropathic infection and brain health, health policy, sexual health, and public health. The HCA Board also includes committed patient advocates with relevant professional and/or personal experience.

The Board currently has seven members and seeks to add three new ones in early 2025. Having an established personal or professional interest in HSV is preferred. Individuals with expertise in law, finance, or drug development, as well as experience serving on non-profit boards, are especially encouraged to apply during this recruitment round.

A routine responsibility for Board members is to participate in a regularly scheduled monthly online meeting and typically at least one committee meeting. HCA takes on a range of projects, including policy issues, public or professional education, research projects, fostering R&D, and more. Board members should be able

and willing to take on projects in various functional areas and contribute 5-10 hours a month.

HCA has a culture of philanthropy and Board members are expected to contribute at least $1,000 each year, as well as to help with fundraising for the organization. Directors are elected for renewable terms of 3 years.

Candidates for Board membership will be provided copies of the HCA by-laws and details regarding roles and responsibilities.

Interested parties should send a short letter of interest and resume to: info@herpescureadvocacy.com