Alicia Downes, LMSW
Senior Program Manager

Alicia Downes serves as the senior program manager on the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Special Project of National Significance (SPNS), which focuses on dissemination of four adapted linkage and retention interventions to improve health outcomes along the HIV Care Continuum.

Alicia got hooked on sociology during her first semester of college despite her family hope for a Computer Science degree. She received her Masters of Social Work from University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) and has almost 10 years of experience in mental health. Alicia began work in the HIV field almost 20 years ago, when she was hired as a Ryan White Case Manager. Three months later, she was helping her uncle find HIV services, along with educating her family about HIV.

Alicia has experience managing federal grant from SAMHSA, CDC, HRSA, and private foundations. Prior to joining the staff of AIDS United, Alicia worked as a consultant on this project the AIDS United HRSA SPNS project. She also recently served as the Midwest AIDS Education and Training Center of Missouri Site and Peer Program Manager and an instructor, teaching Community Health Worker classes.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Alicia can sniff out good West Indian food a mile away. In her spare time, she enjoys going to track and field and swimming events to cheer on her sons and walking her dog.