Through lived experience, advocacy, and service, I share practical, stigma free information that keeps people informed, supported, and connected. Michael Aksten’s work is supported by a strong portfolio of professional training and applied leadership across HIV prevention, linkage to care, quality improvement, governance, and systems strategy. He has translated that education into active service t
hrough nonprofit board leadership, public health advisory roles, patient engagement initiatives, and community based advocacy focused on improving outcomes for people affected by HIV. His professional training includes specialized coursework in HIV testing, rapid linkage to care within emergency departments and urgent care settings, and pan viral testing and referral strategies within college and university health centers. This practical foundation informs his understanding of how individuals are connected to care quickly, safely, and effectively within complex healthcare systems. Michael has also completed multiple trainings aligned with Ryan White Quality Management and Continuous Quality Improvement, including consumer engagement in quality improvement, quality committee best practices, and Lean Six Sigma informed methodologies. He applies these principles through governance and advisory work centered on retention in care, identifying service gaps, strengthening accountability, and improving patient centered delivery systems. In addition, he has completed LGBTQIA cultural humility training and formal leadership development through HealthHIV’s Board Leadership Training and ASO/CBO Leadership programs. His work in nonprofit governance, healthcare advisory settings, and strategic planning reflects practical application of these disciplines in real world environments. Through continued education supported by HealthHIV, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Training Center, the Effi Barry Training Institute, DC Health, the National HIV Curriculum, the HIV Justice Network, and Prevention Access Campaign’s U=U University, he continues to refine his expertise and expand his impact. His work remains grounded in the Denver Principles, meeting people where they are, reducing stigma, expanding access to care, and helping prevent HIV transmission.
