12:00: Impact of federal funding cuts to HIV/AIDS research
1:00: Ode to fathers
Changes at the federal level are expected to have major effects on medical research. Recently on this program, we discussed how clinicians expect possible funding cuts to affect cancer research. This hour, we focus on HIV research. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that the fiscal year 2026 budget request for domestic HIV programs is a 35% decline compared to the previous fiscal year. What does that mean for HIV research in our region? And how could it affect patients? Guest host Racquel Stephen addresses those questions with local experts:
- Michael Keefer, M.D., principal investigator at the Rochester Victory Alliance; and professor in the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases and in the Center for Community Health and Prevention at the University of Rochester Medical Center
- Harold Smith, Ph.D. founder, CEO, and president of Oyagen, Inc.; and professor emeritus of biochemistry and biophysics at the University Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Then in our second hour, in honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, we discuss the importance of having a paternal figure present in a child's life. Studies show that children without a father are four times more likely to grow up in poverty and seven times more likely to end up in prison. This hour, guest host Racquel Stephen and her panel highlight local fatherhood programs and their mission. Our guests also explain the racial disparities that may affect successful parenting for Black fathers, and they share their own advice and experience. In studio:
- Reggie Cox, founder and CEO of the Fatherhood Connection
- Otis Newson, community health worker lead at the Healthy Baby Network
- Deion Williams, participant in the Fatherhood Program at the Healthy Baby Network
- Willie Williams, owner of Ironclad Media; dad; and graduate of the Parent Leadership Training Institute, Cohort 11
- Steven Schulz, M.D., pediatrician and service line division head of ambulatory pediatrics for Rochester Regional Health
*Note: "Connections" is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here.
