SYNC 2026 Agenda
The schedule presented here is subject to change as the agenda is finalized.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
This schedule is preliminary and subject to change.
Linking Syphilis Surveillance to HIV Prevention: A Workflow Model to Promote PrEP Uptake in Marginalized Communities in Texas
Since 2018, Texas has faced a steep rise in syphilis cases particularly among marginalized groups such as Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals. These findings are parallel to HIV trends in Texas.
A local sexual health program partnered with its healthcare system’s sexual health clinic and the local health department (supported by Gilead FOCUS since 2023) to systematically review daily notifiable syphilis reports. For confirmed adult cases (18+, HIV-negative), the STI nurse contacts patients electronically or by phone, provides education on the syphilis–HIV link, discusses prevention and PrEP, and schedules a PrEP initiation visit.
Based on early STI trends, the clinic expects ~23 new adult syphilis cases per month. With a 25 % PrEP linkage rate, this likely translates to around 6 new monthly PrEP starts among new syphilis diagnoses in the healthcare system.
This model merges surveillance with proactive prevention and clinical coordination, targeting individuals at heightened HIV risk. Ongoing data collection on patient demographics, barriers, and facilitators will optimize implementation and elevate prevention outcomes in underserved communities.
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Commercial Support Acknowledgement
This conference is supported, in part, by independent educational grants from ineligible companies. A full list of supporters is available here. All accredited content has been developed and delivered in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence and the criteria of Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education™, and is free of commercial bias.