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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T160556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T155644Z
UID:10000138-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Critical Thinking and Cultural Affirmation (CTCA) Intervention
DESCRIPTION:This interactive session introduces the Critical Thinking and Cultural Affirmation (CTCA) intervention\, an Afrocentric behavioral health model developed by Dr. Cleo Manago and originally tested as MAALES (Men of African American Legacy Empowering Self). Designed specifically for Black same-gender-loving (SGL)\, bisexual men\, and trans individuals\, CTCA addresses the compounded effects of systemic racism\, cultural dislocation\, stigma\, and medical mistrust in HIV prevention and behavioral health. \nThis session explores how CTCA blends peer-led support\, expressive arts\, cultural rituals\, and critical consciousness to foster emotional wellness\, increase HIV care retention\, and support prevention. Participants will engage with evidence-based strategies and real-world examples demonstrating CTCA’s success in improving health outcomes while affirming identity and restoring community connection. \nAttendees will leave equipped with tools and a CTCA replication packet to implement culturally responsive practices in HIV care\, advocacy\, and community health settings serving Black SGL\, bisexual\, and trans populations.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/critical-thinking-and-cultural-affirmation-ctca-intervention/
LOCATION:Studio B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HealthEquity.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T160805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T153024Z
UID:10000139-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:I’m Not a Monster: Examining Media Bias and Stigma in Florida News Coverage of HIV-related Arrests
DESCRIPTION:This study examines media bias and stigma in Florida news coverage of HIV-related arrests from 2010 to 2020. A systematic content analysis of 129 news articles revealed disproportionate racial and gender portrayals\, with Black men overrepresented as perpetrators despite data showing White women constitute the majority of those arrested. Findings indicate widespread use of stigmatizing language and sensationalized reporting\, which amplify public misconceptions about HIV transmission and criminalization. These narratives contribute to public fear\, reinforce systemic biases\, and undermine public health efforts. The study offers recommendations for journalists and policymakers to promote accurate\, non-stigmatizing HIV reporting.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/im-not-a-monster-examining-media-bias-and-stigma-in-florida-news-coverage-of-hiv-related-arrests/
LOCATION:Studio B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HealthEquity.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T161153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T225133Z
UID:10000141-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Findings From a Formative Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Care and Treatment Co-Located in Non-Traditional Service Settings for People Who Use Drugs in New York State
DESCRIPTION:The co-location of HCV care and treatment services in non-traditional healthcare settings could improve HCV-related service uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID). However\, it is still relatively new in the United States compared to other parts of the world\, such as Australia and Europe. In 2018\, New York State (NYS) announced its plan to eliminate HCV as a public health problem by 2030. \nAs part of the initiative\, the state funded HCV Innovative Models of Care Initiative\, aiming to co-locate HCV treatment and care in non-traditional settings where PWID who are currently viremic would feel comfortable\, while receiving various services to remove barriers to initiating and completing HCV treatment. Three programs were funded under this initiative: a) Embedded primary care in the harm reduction drop-in center; b) Stationing a nurse practitioner in a SSP along with utilization of telemedicine for liver and substance use specialty care; and c) Integration of HCV care and treatment at substance use treatment clinics through on-site access to primary care or use of a mobile van. \nUnderstanding that the complexity and segmentation of the healthcare system can pose unique challenges to providing medical care in non-traditional settings in the United States\, a formative evaluation was conducted to assess the feasibility\, acceptability\, and effectiveness\, and whether enrolled clients completed the care cascade measured by four performance indicators: linkage to care\, treatment initiation\, treatment completion\, and achievement of SVR-12. Findings have supported the NYSDOH in making informed decisions about program continuation and potential statewide adaptation.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/findings-from-a-formative-evaluation-of-hepatitis-c-virus-hcv-care-and-treatment-co-located-in-non-traditional-service-settings-for-people-who-use-drugs-in-new-york-state/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T161503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T225155Z
UID:10000143-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:No Missed Opportunities: A Client-Centered Telehealth Model for Hepatitis C in Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Programs
DESCRIPTION:People who use drugs (PWUDs) face structural barriers to access prevention and care for hepatitis C (HCV) infection. While many inpatient substance use treatment programs (ISUTPs) often screen for HCV\, few provide treatment\, leading to missed opportunities for care. This presentation will introduce a client-centered telehealth model\, initiating HCV treatment during detoxification and rehabilitation to enhance early engagement and ensure continuity of care. \nThe New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Viral Hepatitis Program partnered with a hospital-based outpatient program to implement HCV telehealth services at four ISUTPs from May 1\, 2021\, to April 30\, 2024 where care coordination was supported by Community health workers (CHW) onsite. \nOver three years\, 164 clients completed their initial telehealth visits\, with 80% reporting recent injection drug use and 51% being homeless. Treatment initiation rates improved from 51% in Year 1 to 75% in Year 3. While sustained virologic response (SVR) rates highlighted discharge-related challenges\, programmatic refinements included collaboration with an in-house pharmacy for prompt treatment initiation and return-to-care outreach post-discharge. \nThis model demonstrates the feasibility of integrating HCV care within ISUTPs through telehealth and CHWs. It emphasizes the changes implemented to strengthen the care cascade and highlights the potential for broader application in high-risk settings.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/no-missed-opportunities-a-client-centered-telehealth-model-for-hepatitis-c-in-inpatient-substance-use-treatment-programs/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T170217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T154247Z
UID:10000165-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:An Indictment of US Public Health Policy on Pain and Addiction Management
DESCRIPTION:This presentation addresses the intersection of issues in health equity and justice\, versus health advocacy and policy\, to identify and contradict the significant misdirection and fatal errors of science in recent opioid prescribing guidelines of the US CDC and Veterans Administration with a critical review of published clinical and demographic data on safety and effectiveness of prescription opioid analgesic pain relievers.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/an-indictment-of-us-public-health-policy-on-pain-and-addiction-management/
LOCATION:Studio C
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-DrugUserHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T170926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T144203Z
UID:10000168-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Participant Perspectives on Contingency Management for Stimulant Use Treatment
DESCRIPTION:Contingency Management (CM) is a behavioral intervention option for stimulant use that involves immediate\, tangible rewards to individuals to reinforce positive self-identified behavior change. In 2023\, in response to rising rates of stimulant overdose deaths\, California became the first state in the U.S. to offer CM as a benefit through public insurance. Having already embraced CM over two decades prior through the Positive Reinforcement Opportunity Project (PROP)—originally designed for men who have sex with men to reduce sexually transmitted infections through reducing methamphetamine use—San Francisco was well positioned to expand this model\, and over the last two years expanded CM to more than a dozen programs throughout the city benefitting diverse populations. \nThe San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) partnered with Facente Consulting to engage in focus groups and interviews with over 50 participants currently engaged in CM programs in San Francisco to assess impact and identify recommendations for programmatic expansion.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/participant-perspectives-on-contingency-management/
LOCATION:Studio C
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-DrugUserHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T171503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T154534Z
UID:10000171-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Harm Reduction: Getting It Right
DESCRIPTION:What is harm reduction\, really? Is it voting? Is it seat belts? Is it naloxone? While public health often treats harm reduction as a list of tools or strategies\, this session invites us to dig deeper\, into the philosophy\, politics\, and contradictions of harm itself. We’ll ask: Is harm inherent\, or is it produced? What are the social\, structural\, and emotional conditions that create or intensify harm? Who decides what harm is\, and who is forced to experience it? \nThis conversation centers harm reduction not as a checklist\, but as a justice-rooted framework\, a commitment to dignity\, autonomy\, and survival in a world that often withholds those things. We’ll explore how harm is exacerbated by systems of criminalization\, medical neglect\, stigma\, and control\, especially for people who use drugs\, sell sex\, live with chronic illness\, or navigate poverty\, racism\, and ableism. We’ll interrogate how harm reduction gets watered down\, co-opted\, or professionalized into meaninglessness\, and what it means to reclaim it as a radical\, liberatory practice. \nThrough discussion\, storytelling\, and collective inquiry\, we’ll challenge dominant narratives and get to the root: not just how to reduce harm\, but how to understand where it comes from\, who it impacts\, and what it would take to truly transform the conditions that produce it. \nThis session is for public health workers\, care providers\, organizers\, and community members who want to get real about harm\, and get it right.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/harm-reduction-getting-it-right/
LOCATION:Studio C
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-DrugUserHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T171624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T181103Z
UID:10000172-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Inaugural Year Highlights from the Harm Reduction Services Program: San Diego County’s First Government-Run Syringe Service Program
DESCRIPTION:In April 2024\, San Diego County launched its Harm Reduction Services Program (HRSP)\, the region’s first government-run syringe service initiative. Designed to address the intersecting crises of overdose\, HIV\, and hepatitis C among people who use drugs\, HRSP operates through a mobile delivery model\, providing low-barrier\, stigma-free services in underserved communities identified through a comprehensive Community Readiness Assessment. Services provided include sterile syringe access and disposal\, safer sex and smoking supplies\, naloxone distribution and education\, fentanyl and xylazine test strips\, HIV and hepatitis C testing and linkage to care\, basic medical consults\, and connection with housing\, transportation\, mental health\, and substance use treatment services. \nIn alignment with harm reduction principles\, HRSP does not require any formal identification and prioritizes meeting participants where they’re at\, with dignity and respect. In its first year\, HRSP reached 618 unique participants and facilitated 1\,823 program visits. Nearly 75% of program participants are unhoused\, underscoring the importance of the program’s personal care supplies. Notably\, in 63% of program visits\, participants reported collecting supplies for others in addition to themselves\, highlighting HRSP’s extended reach into the community. Over the course of the year\, a total of 2\,305 boxes of naloxone were dispensed\, and 517 overdose reversals were reported by program participants. These early outcomes reflect both the program’s meaningful impact and its success in building trust within the community. As HRSP enters its second year\, the program continues to grow while remaining grounded in its commitment to providing compassionate\, person-centered care for San Diego County residents.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/inaugural-year-highlights-from-the-harm-reduction-services-program-san-diego-countys-first-government-run-syringe-service-program/
LOCATION:Potomac B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-DrugUserHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T172030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T180941Z
UID:10000173-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Cool Kids Carry Narcan: A Rural Community Model for Equitable Naloxone Access and Overdose Prevention
DESCRIPTION:Cool Kids Carry Narcan is a rural overdose prevention initiative led by Berkshire Harm Reduction\, a program of Berkshire Health Systems in western Massachusetts. Designed to address geographic and racial inequities in naloxone access\, the project currently installs and maintains 124 public NaloxBoxes while pairing distribution with community training and stigma-reduction campaigns. \nThrough partnerships with law enforcement\, housing authorities\, libraries\, and local residents\, naloxone has become both accessible and visible—reshaping perceptions around harm reduction in a county with the state’s highest overdose fatality rate. \nPreliminary data show a 13% reduction in overall overdose deaths and an 83% decline in BIPOC fatalities\, marking measurable progress toward equity. By combining healthcare infrastructure with grassroots collaboration\, Cool Kids Carry Narcan demonstrates how rural communities can turn harm reduction into a visible\, shared practice of care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/cool-kids-carry-narcan-a-rural-community-model-for-equitable-naloxone-access-and-overdose-prevention/
LOCATION:Potomac B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-DrugUserHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T194051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T225227Z
UID:10000215-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Hep C Crash Course: Managing Hepatitis C Treatment in Primary Care Settings
DESCRIPTION:Hepatitis C (HCV) remains a curable yet under-treated infection\, especially in populations impacted by structural inequities such as homelessness\, substance use\, incarceration\, and lack of insurance. Although curative treatments are now simplified\, many primary care providers still feel undertrained\, unsupported\, or unsure how to incorporate HCV treatment into their clinical workflows. This “Hep C Crash Course” is designed to bridge that gap and empower primary care and other community-based providers to confidently screen\, diagnose\, and treat HCV within outpatient settings using a simplified and scalable model. \nThis session provides a five-step roadmap for integrating HCV care into primary care practice. Attendees will learn how to conduct reflex-based screening\, stage fibrosis using labs or portable tools\, select treatment regimens aligned with AASLD-IDSA guidelines\, navigate medication access barriers\, and monitor patients through to sustained virologic response (SVR). \nThe session also addresses the syndemic of HCV\, HIV\, and opioid use disorder\, highlighting strategies to engage patients through trauma-informed care\, harm reduction\, and community partnerships. Special attention will be given to populations often excluded from specialty care\, including people who use drugs\, those experiencing homelessness\, and individuals reentering the community from incarceration. \nParticipants will leave with clinical decision tools\, sample workflows\, and resources to begin or expand HCV treatment in their own clinics and ultimately improving access\, outcomes\, and equity in care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/hep-c-crash-course-managing-hepatitis-c-treatment-in-primary-care-settings/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260304T145530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T145648Z
UID:10000231-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Bodies in Sync: Upstream Prevention and Community Healing to Address the Policing and Stigma of Adolescent Bodies in BIPOC Communities
DESCRIPTION:Bodies in Sync positions upstream prevention as a vehicle for healing and liberation. By synchronizing science\, community\, and culture\, the session demonstrates that prevention is not solely about risk reduction—it is about creating conditions for youth to thrive\, belong\, and lead the next generation of public health innovation.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/bodies-in-sync-upstream-prevention-and-community-healing-to-address-the-policing-and-stigma-of-adolescent-bodies-in-bipoc-communities/
LOCATION:Potomac B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-DrugUserHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260306T223257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T145118Z
UID:10000240-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:The Association of Insurance Type with Use of Emergency Care in New York
DESCRIPTION:In New York\, avoidable emergency department (ED) visits—non-emergent care that could be managed in primary care—remain common\, with an estimated 40% of ED visits classified as avoidable in 2024. These visits contribute to ED overcrowding\, higher costs\, workforce strain\, and longer wait times that can worsen outcomes for time-sensitive conditions. Barriers to timely primary care\, which vary by insurance type\, may drive these patterns of avoidable ED use. In this study\, we examined the association between insurance type and avoidable ED visits in New York\, hypothesizing that such visits are more common among patients with public insurance or who are uninsured than among those with private coverage.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/the-association-of-insurance-type-with-use-of-emergency-care-in-new-york/
LOCATION:Studio B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HealthEquity.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T153500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260119T190815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T233712Z
UID:10000089-1773929700-1773934500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Building Systemwide Capacity for Syndemic Screening: Baptist Health’s Expansion Across Miami-Dade County
DESCRIPTION:To address the intersecting epidemics of HIV\, Hepatitis C (HCV)\, and syphilis in Miami-Dade County\, Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) expanded its innovative Electronic Health Record (EHR) syndemic screening model across multiple emergency departments in 2024. Building on the success of Homestead Hospital (HH) and West Kendall Baptist Hospital’s (WKBH) routine HIV/HCV screening program\, Baptist Main Hospital (BMH) and South Miami Hospital (SMH) implemented scalable workflows and smart syphilis screening algorithms into their EHR. This expansion was supported by strategic public-private partnerships with hospital leadership and the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) which provided a dedicated Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) to ensure timely linkage to care and prevention services. \nIn the first year\, both hospitals saw dramatic increases in HIV testing\, BMH by 705% and SMH by 1\,013% with over 22\,000 combined tests and nearly 100 individuals linked to care HIV including relinking and confirming HIV care with the DOH-Miami-Dade. Syphilis screening also identified and supported numerous cases\, especially with pregnant individuals\, helping to prevent congenital transmission through referrals to Comprehensive Preventive Services (CPS). This initiative demonstrates the feasibility and impact of embedding syndemic screening into emergency care\, offering a replicable model for other health systems aiming to reduce disease burden\, enhance prevention\, improve outcomes\, and lower healthcare costs through early detection and intervention.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/building-systemwide-capacity-for-syndemic-screening-baptist-healths-expansion-across-miami-dade-county/
LOCATION:Studio F
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260119T191124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202109Z
UID:10000090-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Intercourse: Sex Ed for Congress
DESCRIPTION:A lack of equitable access to HIV/AIDS\, and STI prevention and treatment begins at a systematic level with a lack of comprehensive sex education\, including PrEP\, in schools. While the majority of states require HIV/AIDS education\, there are huge disparities in who receives said education and the quality of said information. This is further compounded by budget/appropriations and policy reforms\, which further strain the workforce capable of delivering comprehensive sex education. Inaccurate and stigmatizing education creates barriers to HIV prevention\, care\, testing\, and treatment for everyone – which further perpetuates inequities in care for marginalized populations\, especially among Black and Latino men\, MSM\, and transgender women. This presentation provides an update on federal reproductive healthcare and access litigation and policy\, and highlights strategies for systems change\, including policy reforms\, advocacy\, research\, collaboration\, and capacity-building to address the implications of unequal access to sex education.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/intercourse-sex-ed-for-congress/
LOCATION:Studio F
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260119T192036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202138Z
UID:10000091-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Lived Experiences of Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in Washington\, DC: Survival and Seroadaptation
DESCRIPTION:Seroadaptation refers to sexual harm reduction/HIV prevention strategies that primarily involve 1) serosorting (selecting sex partners based on HIV status)\, and 2) seropositioning (choosing sexual positions to mitigate HIV exposure). While used across populations\, the term\, “seroadaptation\,” was developed with white gay men and may not apply to historically marginalized populations like Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) (which here encompasses Black gay and bisexual men and Black trans women). \nUnderstanding how BMSM\, who represent less than 1% of the U.S. population\, but account for over one-third of new HIV infections annually\, practice seroadaptation can inform new interventions to improve their engagement in HIV services. To this end\, we conducted a qualitative study (called the “PhotoUStudy”)\, which was guided by a conceptual model\, the BMSM Intersectional Identity Framework Over the Life Course (BMSM Identity Framework). Thirty-six BMSM who lived in/accessed health services in Washington\, D.C.\, aged 18-65\, were recruited into a five-day photovoice activity and follow-up interview. Using NVivo\, participant photos and transcripts were analyzed. Findings indicated that BMSM sexual harm reduction focused on condom use and HIV testing\, and was considered a small\, though important\, part of health practice focused on physical safety and social support. Younger BMSM reported greater access to larger support networks; older BMSM had smaller social circles and poorer health. Few participants were familiar with PrEP or U=U. More research is needed; however\, BMSM HIV interventions may be best couched in discussions of overall health and safety\, such as self-defense.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/lived-experiences-of-black-men-who-have-sex-with-men-in-washington-dc-survival-and-seroadaptation/
LOCATION:Potomac B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVCareTreatment.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260119T192240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202202Z
UID:10000092-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Making the Uncomfortable Routine: Transforming Sexual Health Conversations in Rural Settings
DESCRIPTION:Discussing sexual health with patients is essential to quality care\, yet it remains one of the most uncomfortable and overlooked aspects of clinical practice\, especially in rural health settings. Many patients have never received comprehensive\, accurate\, or inclusive sexual health education\, leaving significant gaps in knowledge that directly affect prevention\, screening\, and overall well-being. This session will provide practical\, approachable strategies for integrating sexual history–taking and sexual health education into routine patient encounters. \nParticipants will learn “how-to” techniques for initiating and guiding conversations about sexual history through a lens of prevention\, risk reduction\, and patient-centered care. The presentation will emphasize creating a safe\, respectful\, and non-judgmental environment that encourages patients to ask questions and engage openly. Special attention will be given to the unique challenges faced in rural communities\, where stigma\, limited resources\, and lack of formal education can further inhibit discussions about sexual health. \nThrough case examples and evidence-informed approaches\, attendees will gain tools to normalize sexual health conversations\, build trust\, and reduce discomfort for both patients and providers. By the end of the session\, participants will be able to confidently incorporate comprehensive sexual health education into their practice and foster a clinical environment where patients feel supported\, respected\, and empowered to understand their own sexual health. \nThis session ultimately argues that while sexual health conversations may never feel “sexy\,” they are critical and\, with the right skills and setting\, they can become a natural\, effective part of everyday patient care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/making-the-uncomfortable-routine-transforming-sexual-health-conversations-in-rural-settings/
LOCATION:Studio F
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260119T192422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202220Z
UID:10000093-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:A Simulation Exercise to Improve Sexual Health and Wellness Training for Nurse Practitioner Students
DESCRIPTION:Evidence shows there are gaps in clinicians’ skills in providing comprehensive sexual health care across diverse populations. Simulation in clinical training has emerged as an effective pedagogy to facilitate student learning of knowledge\, skills\, and attitudes on a variety of healthcare topics. Faculty at the University of Rochester School of Nursing developed a sexual health simulation for three graduate nurse practitioner (NP) programs (Adult-Gerontology\, Family\, and Pediatric Primary Care). \nPatient engagement scenarios were informed by persistent and emerging issues in sexual health to create three authentic clinical encounters: 1) adolescent with parent\, presenting with gender dysphoria\, 2) female college student with concerns about STIs and contraception and 3) a same sex male couple jointly seeking HIV testing and treatment. A multimethod approach was used to collect and analyze simulation project data. Twenty NP students\, completed pre and post simulation surveys; and four NP students\, five faculty and 9 standardized patients participated in post-simulation qualitative interviews and focus groups. \nSurvey findings revealed increases in knowledge and attitudes regarding key HIV topics (i.e. PrEP\, screening); and comfort and confidence in patient engagement. Qualitative findings indicate that participants thought the scenarios were well done and reflective of real-world possibilities. Although there were apparent gaps in NP student knowledge\, SPs revealed that NP students’ communication was empathetic and sought to build trust. Overall student and faculty participants\, and SPs found the sexual health simulation to be a transformative experience. Recommendations and other considerations for sexual health and wellness simulation will be discussed.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/a-simulation-exercise-to-improve-sexual-health-and-wellness-training-for-nurse-practitioner-students/
LOCATION:Studio E
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T140847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T144841Z
UID:10000101-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Blueprint to Building a Solid HIV Testing Program
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will highlight how to build a successful HIV testing program in the community. These are not abstract methods\, but concrete steps to provide a clear plan on creating an HIV testing program that will ensure more people will have access to free\, rapid testing. There will be a strong focus on developing community partnerships to provide testing at various\, out-of-the-box testing sites. In addition\, we will discuss how to provide immediate referrals for PrEP and Linkage to Care. This workshop will also provide space to share information to highlight lessons learned and recommended considerations so others can implement similar programs in their communities.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/blueprint-for-expanding-hiv-testing-in-your-community/
LOCATION:Studio E
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T141037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202248Z
UID:10000102-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Developing Linkage to Comprehensive Prevention Services in an Emergency Department Setting
DESCRIPTION:Emergency Departments (EDs) are a key location for people to access STI services. EDs offer accessibility and flexibility that may be difficult to find in a provider’s office or an STI clinic\, including access to treatment during the weekends. EDs also perform many asymptomatic screenings\, or screenings for less common symptoms of an STI. Unaware of the volume of STI testing\, one program began monitoring all STI testing from the ED\, notifying patients of their test results\, prescribing medication for patients needing treatment through a collaborative agreement with our pharmacy\, or referring patients needing an injectable medication to a clinic that could perform the service. \nThis presentation will discuss the opportunities for implementing linkage to comprehensive services by assessing populations who are seen in the ED testing for STIs\, including syphilis and HIV. We will explore the operations of identifying eligible patients\, including our collaborations with the public health department\, our Infectious Disease Clinic\, and our Title V Clinic. We will highlight what is going well and discuss areas of improvement.\nThis presentation will also review the successes and challenges of launching a rapid PrEP program in an ED setting. The discussion will cover the operations of developing and implementing the program. We will also talk about how we leveraged other positions to assist with the process\, which has been critical as funding becomes increasingly strained.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/developing-linkage-to-comprehensive-prevention-services-in-an-emergency-department-setting/
LOCATION:Studio E
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T141330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202307Z
UID:10000103-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Implementation of Routine Opt-Out HIV Testing across the University of California-San Diego Health Systems
DESCRIPTION:In 2006\, the CDC shared revised guidance recommending HIV testing be provided to individuals 13-64 years of age\, regardless of risk\, in all health-care settings unless patients opt out of the service. This approach\, known as Routine Opt-Out HIV Testing (ROOT)\, is key in identifying persons with undiagnosed HIV\, persons previously testing positive but not engaged in HIV care or virally suppressed\, and persons testing negative that could be referred to preventative services. \nAlthough ROOT has contributed to increased HIV testing across the United States\, wide-scale implementation across San Diego County has been slow. As part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative (EHE)\, the County of San Diego partnered with the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) to implement a systems-level strategy to integrate ROOT activities across multiple UCSD departments. ROOT was first implemented at UCSD’s Children’s Emergency Department\, Student Health Services\, and Urgent Care\, with Internal Medicine\, Family Medicine\, and Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient settings added in the second half of the year. \nIn the first year of the program\, 11\,766 HIV screening tests were completed\, yielding four new HIV infections in which patients were linked to care within two weeks. Successful implementation of this project required large-scale operational changes\, increased inter-departmental communication\, and buy-in from department champions spearheading efforts with front-line staff. Lessons from this implementation can be used to support other agencies in increasing ROOT efforts\, leading to increased detection of HIV infections\, timely access to care\, reduced transmission\, and progress made towards meeting local EHE goals.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/implementation-of-routine-opt-out-hiv-testing-across-the-university-of-california-san-diego-health-systems/
LOCATION:Studio F
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T141544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202323Z
UID:10000104-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Integration Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Emergency Medicine: A Single-Center Model at Tampa General Hospital
DESCRIPTION:As part of the Hillsborough Health Equity Plan\, a formative research initiative was conducted to increase the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Black and Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 25–34 in Hillsborough County\, Florida. The study explored patient and provider experiences within on-demand care settings\, such as urgent care clinics and emergency departments (EDs)\, where opportunities for PrEP intervention are often missed. \nUsing the Community-Based Prevention Marketing (CBPM) framework\, healthcare providers in these settings were identified as the priority population due to their frontline role in PrEP delivery. Semi-structured interviews with six providers identified two key themes: the need for streamlined care coordination and provider-focused training to reduce stigma and enhance comfort in prescribing PrEP. \nConcurrently\, Tampa General Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine developed a PrEP implementation model designed to identify and serve high-risk patients using the ED as their primary care source. This model incorporates EMR-integrated HIV risk scores\, real-time flagging\, PrEP-trained patient navigators\, same-day PrEP initiation\, and evidence-based provider education modules. A unified patient flowchart was created to map the complete PrEP experience—from risk identification through administration and referral for follow-up care. \nTogether\, the research and implementation efforts support an integrated strategy that combines public health social marketing with clinical innovation. This approach not only aims to increase equitable access to PrEP in Hillsborough County but also provides a scalable model for implementing PrEP programs in other urban settings\, contributing to broader HIV prevention efforts nationwide.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/integration-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-in-emergency-medicine-a-single-center-model-at-tampa-general-hospital/
LOCATION:Studio E
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T145031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202355Z
UID:10000115-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Supporting Syndemic Approaches to Care in a Hostile Political Environment
DESCRIPTION:This session focuses on the way forward with syndemic approaches to eliminate HIV\, viral hepatitis\, and related epidemics in a political environment characterized by significantly diminished federal investment in infectious disease prevention and treatment\, and in overdose crisis response.  The goal is to explore the impact of Reductions in Force at HHS\, reduced funding to academic institutions\, and other funding and workforce changes on our capacity to end HIV\, viral hepatitis\, and overdose mortality\, with a particular focus on how these changes will impact adults over the age of 50; as well as exploring how syndemic approaches may provide opportunities to engage the expertise and resources of the remaining public health workforce to respond to these ongoing public health crises through innovative collaboration.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/supporting-syndemic-approaches-to-care-in-a-hostile-political-environment/
LOCATION:Studio C
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T145941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202410Z
UID:10000118-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:HIV and Cognitive Decline: The Power of Partnership
DESCRIPTION:As people living with HIV (PLWH) age\, cognitive decline presents a growing yet underaddressed challenge. This presentation highlights an innovative collaboration between The Grand Rapids Red Project (TGRRP) and the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter (AAMC) to implement routine cognitive screenings within TGRRP’s HIV care programs. The initiative targets PLWH aged 44+ and those exhibiting overt cognitive impairment\, aiming to bridge gaps in care complexity for aging populations. \nIn this presentation\, AAMC will review national trends in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and statewide efforts to develop programming for aging PLWH through partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs). With AAMC’s support\, TGRRP designed an HIV and aging pilot program featuring tailored screening tools\, staff training\, and referral pathways—offering replicable strategies for similar programs. \nThe presentation underscores how cross-sector partnerships can address comorbid conditions in aging PLWH. Key components include integrating cognitive health protocols into HIV services and mitigating barriers like fragmented care\, stigma\, and delayed diagnosis. TGRRP’s pilot program focuses on linking clients to specialized resources\, reducing disparities in dementia-related care\, and navigating aging-related challenges. Early outcomes highlight the value of proactive\, integrated care models. \nFuture directions include longitudinal tracking of health outcomes\, expanded community education (e.g.\, 45+ social support groups)\, specialized staff training\, and strengthened referral partnerships. This collaboration exemplifies a scalable framework to optimize quality of life for aging PLWH.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/hiv-cognitive-decline-the-power-of-partnership/
LOCATION:Potomac B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVCareTreatment.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T155200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T144756Z
UID:10000132-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Disco to Tech: Interracial Encounters\, Intergenerational Desire\, and the Disclosure Dilemma
DESCRIPTION:What happens when wisdom meets innovation\, and lived experience meets digital fluency? This dynamic\, intergenerational and interracial session explores how people across decades and racial identities navigate dating\, disclosure\, and desire in the age of PrEP\, U=U\, and mobile technology. \nParticipants will explore the unique dynamics of intergenerational and interracial relationships in LGBTQ+ communities\, where age and racial identity often intersect with stigma\, communication gaps\, and digital literacy. The session will highlight how dating apps\, and digital platforms can be used to foster safer sex\, reduce stigma\, and promote pleasure-centered sexual health for all. \nUnlike traditional workshops\, this session brings together two generations of lived experience to co-lead a dialogue that spans decades and devices.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/disco-to-tech-interracial-encounters-intergenerational-desire-and-the-disclosure-dilemma/
LOCATION:Potomac B
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVCareTreatment.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T155354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202437Z
UID:10000133-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Community Mental Health Project
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with Columbia Psychiatry and New York Public Library\, the community mental health project was created to address the impact of mental health on the Black and Afro-Latino communities in NYC\, especially during and right after the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention aims to engage the community in discussion around mental health and thus minimize stigma and advocate for innovative strategies to increase the utilization of mental health services within the community.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/community-mental-health-project/
LOCATION:Studio C
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVCareTreatment.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T155852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202451Z
UID:10000135-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Language Justice and Accessibility: Navigating Services for Deaf\, Hard of Hearing\, Deafblind People Living with HIV
DESCRIPTION:This session will provide an overview of how Deaf Community Advocacy Network (Deaf C.A.N.!) Deaf HIV Program addresses the unique challenges of PWLH who are Deaf\, Deafblind\, and Hard of Hearing navigating Ryan White Services. Through provider assessments and cultural competency training\, client assessments and workshops to improve health literacy on HIV prevention and HIV treatment\, and workshops for interpreters to increase their understanding of ever growing HIV terminology such as viral load suppression and U=U\, Deaf C.A.N.! has expanded their case management services from 7 counties in the Detroit Metropolitan Area to the entire state of Michigan\, increased partnerships\, and improved client satisfaction
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/language-justice-and-accessibility-navigating-services-for-deaf-hard-of-hearing-deafblind-people-living-with-hiv/
LOCATION:Studio C
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVCareTreatment.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T160112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202504Z
UID:10000136-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:My Steps To Care: Adaptation and Pilot-Testing of STC (Steps To Care) Intervention to Improve HIV Health Outcomes among Black Sexual Minority Men\, Black Cisgender Women\, and Trans Women Living With HIV in Washington DC
DESCRIPTION:The United States will not meet the targets of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) plan without an intentional focus on improving HIV outcomes among key populations living with HIV (LWH). Studies have shown that only 54% of Black sexual minority men (SMM) living with HIV are retained in care\, 55% maintain daily treatment adherence\, and 62% are virally suppressed. In 2021\, one-third of Black SMM (out of 5\,964)\, Black cisgender (out of 3\,079)\, and transgender (out of 271) women LWH in Washington DC (a priority EHE jurisdiction) had a detectable viral load (i.e.\, having more than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood). These viral suppression rates are suboptimal\, despite a range of healthcare organizations and services in the region\, contributing to the further transmission of HIV in the region and highlighting a major public health failure. The purpose of this study is to address the health inequities among key populations living with HIV through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) mixed-methods study designed to adapt and pilot-test STEPS to Care (StC)\, a CDC-endorsed evidence-based intervention. This intervention consists of three person-centered\, evidence-informed strategies to improve retention in HIV care\, adherence to antiretroviral therapies\, and reduce viral load\, which include: Patient Navigation\, Care Team Coordination\, and HIV Self-Management.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/my-steps-to-care/
LOCATION:Studio C
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVCareTreatment.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T161832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173648Z
UID:10000145-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:HCV (Testing\, Linkage and Treatment) in the Time Before and After COVID in Alabama
DESCRIPTION:In the US and globally\, there have been two secular events exogenous to the HCV epidemic that has impacted HCV negatively. The first is well documented with the accompanying rise in the Opioid epidemic resulting in the uptick in HCV infections particularly among the population younger than the baby boomer generation. The second is the advent of COVID-19 that caused disruptions in testing\, linkage and treatment of people living with Hepatitis C. We showcase the impact COVID 19 had on our testing program in Alabama.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/hcv-testing-linkage-and-treatment-in-the-time-before-and-after-covid-in-alabama/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T162003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173702Z
UID:10000146-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Integrated Data Management Systems Accelerate HCV Elimination: Evidence from a US-based Patient Re-engagement Program
DESCRIPTION:Re-engaging individuals who are lost to follow-up (LTFU) is needed to achieve hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in the United States. The CDAF-Relink grant funds programs which use data management systems like patient registries to identify and re-engage individuals with HCV who are LTFU.\n\nThis study aims to assess the follow-up eligibility of individuals with HCV presumed LTFU. Pre-contact investigation (PCI) to assess ineligibility\, including due to death or outdated contact information\, was encouraged.  Data came from the patient registries of 23 of 30 grant-funded organizations in different clinical\, community and geographical settings. Data sources included patient\, state\, prison\, and public records.\n\nPCI was completed for 28\,600 individuals between January 2024 and September 2025. The most common data sources were patient (64%) and state health records (30%). Fifty-one percent of presumed LTFU individuals were ineligible for follow-up (Table 1). Undocumented ongoing care\, cure\, or death\, and outdated contact information were the most common ineligibility reason\, occurring in over 80% of ineligible individuals (Table 2). Meanwhile\, 30% of individuals ineligible due to outdated contact information were aged 30-39\, and 23% were aged 40-49.\n\nThe number of presumed LTFU individuals found to be in care or cured suggests poorly integrated patient tracking systems may be obscuring the impact of HCV programs. Meanwhile\, outdated contact information is a notable barrier to re-engagement. Given the labor and time costs of PCI\, improved patient tracking systems will optimize resource utilization for HCV patient re-engagement and overall care coordination.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/integrated-data-management-systems-accelerate-hcv-elimination-evidence-from-a-us-based-patient-re-engagement-program/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260430T171732
CREATED:20260120T162121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173718Z
UID:10000147-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Resilience in the Margins: Empathy\, Leadership\, and the Power of Partnership in Building Health Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION:At the height of the opioid epidemic\, small towns across Southeast Ohio faced a rising tide of substance use and overdose yet reported surprisingly low rates of infectious disease. In 2019\, the Southeast Ohio Partnership formed to close this gap by expanding Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and HIV screening across 14 counties. What began as a modest collaboration evolved into a resilient\, flexible\, cross-sector network unified by deep community ties and a shared mission. \nDespite screening fewer than 2% of the intended population in its first year\, the project laid critical groundwork through relationship-building\, centering lived experience and recognizing that in communities where “everybody knows everybody\,” personal connection is infrastructure. Guided by servant leadership and shared leadership\, the partnership grew even amid systemic challenges. \nThis presentation traces the Ohio FOCUS HIV/HCV Partnership evolution\, from early setbacks and outdated policies to transformative progress made possible through adaptive strategies\, including the integration of a mobile testing model in partnership with Central Outreach Wellness Center. The model brought walk-in\, judgment-free care directly to those most at risk\, helping remove barriers to treatment. Additional partners\, such as Ohio University\, enhanced capacity through data coordination and evaluation. \nPresenters will explore how community-rooted leadership and flexible service delivery yielded increased screening\, improved linkage to care\, and a potential framework for health infrastructure. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how trust\, humility\, and shared purpose can transform fragmented services into a coordinated\, patient-centered response to infectious disease in resource-limited settings.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/resilience-in-the-margins-empathy-leadership-and-the-power-of-partnership-in-building-health-infrastructure/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR