Social Intervention Group
The Social Intervention Group (SIG) was founded in 1990 when a diagnosis of AIDS was still considered a death sentence. Its mission was to conduct drug abuse interventions and study whether that had an effect on HIV transmission. Since then the multidisciplinary research center led by Dr. Nabila El-Bassel has been at the forefront of research into prevention interventions that target populations at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Left to right: Susan Witte, Anne Brisson, Nabila El-Bassel, Elwin Wu, Louisa Gilbert
What has set SIG apart from other organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS is that it addresses the overlapping problems that can lead to HIV/STI transmission: interpersonal violence (IPV), drug abuse, lack of health care access, and incarceration and recidivism. As a result of this work, Dr. El-Bassel has been extensively funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). With funding from the Institutes, SIG has also trained racial and ethnic minority researchers and faculty on issues of mental health and HIV.
Dr. El-Bassel was the principal investigator of Project Connect, one of the first couples-based HIV/AIDS interventions in the U.S. By reframing safe sex as a couple’s responsibility, the intervention emphasized the importance of communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills instead of relegating the responsibility of STD protection to an individual. Couples interventions have since become the focus of many of SIG’s domestic and international studies.
In addition to Dr. El-Bassel, Co-director Dr. Louisa Gilbert and Associate Directors Drs. Susan Witte and Elwin Wu each bring their unique perspectives and focus to SIG. Dr. Gilbert designs interventions for women addressing IPV and other co-occurring traumas. Dr. Wu’s research examines populations whose behaviors place others at risk of health and psychosocial problems. Dr. Witte’s research has focused on female contraception and the use of multimedia in couples’ interventions.
As it enters its third decade, SIG is focused on training as well as disseminating scientifically proven practices key to reducing AIDS transmission. In particular, SIG focuses on underserved populations such as those in and affected by the criminal justice system. As treatments for the disease continue to evolve, SIG will adapt its trainings, interventions, and platforms to decrease transmission among vulnerable populations.
SIG is focused on training as well as disseminating scientifically proven practices key to reducing AIDS transmission.