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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T144314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T175256Z
UID:10000113-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Justice Is the Intervention: Redesigning Harm Reduction within Black Communities
DESCRIPTION:The decline in drug-related fatalities in New Jersey over the past three years reflects progress in harm reduction\, yet racial disparities remain stark. Black and Hispanic communities continue to face disproportionate rates of drug-related deaths—51.4 and 38.9 per 100\,000\, respectively—compared to white residents. The Black Lives Matter Paterson Harm Reduction Center and Mobile Unit provides resources\, care\, and support to neglected populations through culturally responsive\, Black-centered mobile outreach. \nHarm reduction is not enabling. It meets marginalized people where they are\, gives those who use substances a touch point with the healthcare system\, reduces costs (from HIV\, Hep C\, OD)\, and leads to referrals to treatment when they are ready. The BLM Harm Reduction Center conducted pre-intervention surveys to measure the baseline access\, usage\, and viewpoints of individuals new to or unaware of the resources. A follow-up data collection survey was conducted after 6 months of the pre-survey to evaluate any changes in data and the program’s effectiveness by June 2025. \nThis approach demonstrates the critical role of direct and health justice-driven mobile harm reduction as both a community message and method to health equity. By focusing on culturally responsive\, people-focused\, and dignifying care\, this work reaches broader implications for serving disadvantaged communities in public health\, more specifically\, the intersectionality between HIV/STI prevention\, drug user health\, and recovery care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/justice-is-the-intervention-redesigning-harm-reduction-within-black-communities/
LOCATION:Studio F
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:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T144139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T181226Z
UID:10000112-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Test UP! PrEP! Level Up!
DESCRIPTION:Test Up! PrEP Up! Level Up! Now You’re In the Game! The Maryland Activation—is a high-impact\, community-driven initiative led by Heart to Hand\, Inc. in partnership with Walgreens and regional health organizations across Prince George’s\, Montgomery\, and Charles Counties. Held June 27–28\, 2025\, in recognition of National HIV Testing Day\, the activation expands access to free\, confidential HIV testing\, PrEP education\, and immediate linkage to care through trusted community and pharmacy settings. \nGrounded in the Community Activation & Prevention Partnership (CAPP) Model\, the event integrates culturally responsive education\, peer engagement\, and incentive-based participation to reduce stigma and promote public health equity. Participants rotated through interactive learning zones and received on-site prevention counseling\, resource referrals\, and follow-up connections to care providers. \nThe activation achieved measurable results\, reaching more than 1\,200 community members\, providing HIV testing to 600 individuals\, delivering PrEP education to 900 participants\, and collecting 260 PrEP awareness surveys to inform future outreach strategies. \nThis initiative demonstrates how local partnerships and culturally grounded outreach can transform HIV prevention across Maryland. By combining access\, education\, engagement\, and equity\, Test Up! PrEP Up! Level Up! not only honored National HIV Testing Day but also advanced the goals of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) strategy—strengthening collaboration\, expanding prevention access\, and empowering residents to take charge of their sexual health.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/test-up-prep-level-up/
LOCATION:Studio D
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:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T143853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T175109Z
UID:10000111-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:PrEP Talk: Building Virtual Community Action in Hillsborough County\, FL
DESCRIPTION:In 2021\, 78.2% of the 294 new HIV cases in Hillsborough County occurred among males\, with male-to-male sexual contact as the leading transmission mode. Despite Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) reducing HIV risk by 99%\, accessibility remains a barrier. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Health Disparities Coalition PrEP Task Force applied a virtual adaptation of the Community-Based Prevention Marketing (CBPM) framework to develop an intervention addressing PrEP uptake. \nThis traditionally in-person framework was successfully implemented using virtual platforms (Microsoft Teams\, Zoom\, Google Drive\, and Qualtrics) that enabled collaborative decision-making and active community partner engagement throughout steps 1–6 of the eight-step process. Key accomplishments include: an asset inventory (Step 1); narrowing 80+ evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to one (STYLE) through surveys and virtual return -on-investment activities (Steps 2–3); identifying Black/Latinx MSM (25–34) and emergency department and urgent care providers as priority audiences (Step 4); conducting formative research through interviews and surveys (Step 5); and developing a multi-level social marketing plan and intervention targeting emergency room PrEP uptake (Step 6). \nThe resulting pilot intervention—supported by FDOH and CAN Community Health—focuses on: (1) a social marketing campaign for PrEP referral in emergency and urgent care settings; (2) increased HIV testing in ERs; and (3) a coordinated medical-social support network for high-risk patients. This approach strategically targets settings where the priority population frequently seeks care. This virtual CBPM model demonstrates how technology can maintain community engagement and drive intervention planning in a hybrid or remote environment.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/prep-talk-building-virtual-community-action-in-hillsborough-county-fl/
LOCATION:Studio D
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:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T143426Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T182835Z
UID:10000109-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:AI Ready: Establishing a Responsible and Practical Approach to Artificial Intelligence in HIV Care and Prevention
DESCRIPTION:Many healthcare organizations are exploring the use of artificial intelligence to improve care and streamline operations but often face uncertainty about how to begin. This session provides a clear and practical entry point for HIV service systems that want to integrate AI responsibly\, particularly those working with limited resources. \nWe will outline how to form an internal AI Steering Committee that supports thoughtful planning\, evaluates proposed uses\, and builds understanding among staff. The committee also leads the development of governance policies that address privacy\, safety\, ethics\, clinical oversight\, and the role of human judgment in AI-supported care. \nThe session emphasizes how organizations can start small and scale gradually. We will focus on identifying tools that are accessible\, cost conscious\, and aligned with clinical or operational priorities. Participants will learn how to assess opportunities that may offer value even without large investments or complex platforms. \nGuidance will also be provided on engaging staff in AI efforts. This includes offering brief\, targeted tutorials on moving ideas into action\, supporting those with technical skills to explore simple applications\, and encouraging the use of AI to help solve challenges or locate information that supports patient care. These approaches help foster a sense of ownership\, creativity\, and shared responsibility for innovation. \nThis session is intended for leaders in clinical operations\, prevention\, and program improvement. Attendees will leave with an outline for establishing a governance structure and a practical checklist to begin evaluating and applying AI tools in ways that advance care and protect patients.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/ai-ready-establishing-a-responsible-and-practical-approach-to-artificial-intelligence-in-hiv-care-and-prevention/
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:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260119T195255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T182626Z
UID:10000097-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Leveraging Health Promotion Advocates in the Emergency Department to Expand HIV Testing: Findings from a Clinical Program
DESCRIPTION:Emergency departments (EDs) serve as a critical access point for medically underserved populations\, including individuals with substance use disorders (SUD)\, co-occurring psychiatric disorders (COD)\, and those at elevated risk for HIV. This presentation aims to describe a publicly funded HIV prevention and health services program co-located in two affiliated urban Midwestern EDs\, to describe any differences among patients who did and did not receive HIV testing\, and to discuss strategies for leveraging Health Promotion Advocates (HPAs) in ED settings. \nThis clinical program integrates specialized HPAs into the ED team to facilitate routine opt-out HIV testing and provide preventative care for up to six months after ED discharge. Program services were available to patients with diagnosed SUD/COD who were also identified as being at heightened risk of HIV. Those included in this analysis (n = 57) completed both baseline and six-month follow-up assessments\, which included demographics\, social determinants of health (SDOH) characteristics\, and HIV testing status. The mean age of patients was 40.4 years (SD = 10.5)\, and most identified as non-white (65%)\, non-Hispanic (88%)\, and female (51%). The majority reported annual income below $20\,000 (72%)\, unemployment (63%)\, and transportation barriers (60%). Overall\, 61% received HIV testing during the program period. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in the completion of an HIV test based on patient demographics or SDOH characteristics. These preliminary findings highlight the critical role that specialized health professionals can play in expanding access to routine HIV testing to vulnerable populations in ED settings.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/leveraging-health-promotion-advocates-in-the-emergency-department-to-expand-hiv-testing-findings-from-a-clinical-program/
LOCATION:Studio D
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:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260119T195019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T133512Z
UID:10000096-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:The Future is Gray and Gay: Building Inclusive HIV Systems for LGBTQ+ Older Adults
DESCRIPTION:As the population of people living with HIV (PLWH) ages\, healthcare systems must evolve to meet the complex needs of older adults\, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+. Over half of PLWH in the U.S. are now aged 50 or older\, many of whom face not only physical health challenges but also the compounded effects of stigma\, isolation\, and discrimination. Holy Cross Health in Broward County\, Florida\, has developed a comprehensive\, community-embedded care model that integrates HIV treatment with aging services\, behavioral health\, and chronic disease management. This peer- and community health worker–led\, equity-focused approach is designed to address disparities among LGBTQ+ individuals\, people of color\, and those experiencing economic hardship. The model emphasizes cultural humility\, trauma-informed care\, and whole-person wellness. This session will explore how this integrated framework improves outcomes and offers a scalable solution for reimagining HIV care for aging LGBTQ+ populations.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/the-future-is-gray-and-gay-building-inclusive-hiv-systems-for-lgbtq-older-adults/
LOCATION:Studio 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:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260119T192624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T175746Z
UID:10000094-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Design and Early Findings from the Empower Theater Arts Peer Educator Program
DESCRIPTION:While a myriad of health education and prevention programs exist in the community and on HBCU college campuses\, most women are unaware of these resources and\, most importantly\, the availability and effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)\, despite being at greater risk of HIV. Black Women and HIV: Empowerment through Engagement\, Education\, and Enrichment (“Empower”) is an HBCU led\, collaborative\, multi-year initiative committed to advancing HIV prevention and sexual health among Black women by implementing culturally responsive education and community engagement. \nProgram methodology targets undergraduate students\, as well as the community at large and incorporates the arts\, storytelling and peer-led approaches. One signature component\, the Theater Arts (TA) Peer Educator Program\, reimagines HIV prevention education delivery. First- and second-year undergraduate students (most female identifying) were recruited and trained through a culturally sensitive\, train-the-trainer model focused on sexual education\, HIV knowledge\, facilitation\, advocacy\, and creative expression. Their knowledge was evaluated with a pre-test/post-test instrument. TA Peers work together to host performance-based events which convey sexual health and HIV prevention education. This group of poets\, actors\, rappers\, and singers leverages their varied skills to deliver sexual health information in an innovative way\, on campus and in the wider community. While still early in the implementation of this intervention\, initial activities have sparked interest and show significant engagement levels.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/design-and-early-findings-from-the-empower-theater-arts-peer-educator-program/
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:20260320T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T110000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260306T135807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T135258Z
UID:10000234-1774002600-1774004400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Syndemic in Vulnerable Communities Through Field-Based Outreach
DESCRIPTION:In addition to traditional barriers to care (i.e.\, appointment access\, transportation\, insurance)\, the emotional impact and stigma of a hepatitis C (HCV)\, HIV\, or STI diagnosis can prevent patients from engaging in care to treat their disease\, further marginalizing and widening healthcare inequity. This is particularly true for people who use drugs (PWUD) and the unhoused. For program working toward HCV and HIV elimination\, field-based care coordination and peer navigators have become vital resources for outreach to these populations. Not only do they leverage personal lived experience to validate challenging circumstances and restore dignity\, they also use trauma-informed care (TIC) models to empower patients toward their health goals\, both large and small. This podcast episode seeks to share the experience and insights of a peer navigator working in Kitsap County\, Washington\, to link patients to necessary treatment while facing the interpersonal\, psychosocial\, and logistical barriers to care that impact these populations. The interviewee we have chosen is a highly dynamic person\, with lived experience and deep ties to the community. She has been working with the unhoused\, underserved\, and drug-using population in Kitsap County for more than a decade\, and would bring that knowledge\, insight\, and caring to our conversation.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/bridging-the-gap-addressing-the-syndemic-in-vulnerable-communities-through-field-based-outreach/
LOCATION:Podcast Area
CATEGORIES:Podcast
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T103000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260218T184454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T150122Z
UID:10000223-1773997200-1774002600@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Forward in SYNChronicity through Research and Care
DESCRIPTION:Coffee and tea will be served at this plenary session. Breakfast is not provided. \nThis morning plenary session will bring together nationally recognized leaders who exemplify true synchronicity across scientific discovery\, clinical practice\, policy\, and real-world implementation. This session will highlight how aligning drug user health\, long COVID and vaccine research\, care delivery\, advocacy\, and public health strategy accelerates meaningful impact\, advances innovation\, and improves outcomes — particularly for communities most affected by chronic diseases. \nSpeakers will provide critical updates on biomedical HIV prevention\, vaccine preparedness\, and current research studies shaping the prevention landscape; explore the intersections with drug user health\, highlighting models that bridge treatment\, harm reduction\, and community-based support; discuss lessons from long COVID research and chronic disease management to draw connections to advocacy\, research equity\, and patient-led movements; and share insights on synchronizing policy and research with public health priorities and marginalized community needs. \nTogether\, these leading experts will illuminate how coordinated action across research\, care\, policy\, and advocacy is not only aspirational but practical and essential. This session will challenge us to move beyond silos and Forward in SYNChronicity Through Research and Care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/forward-in-synchronicity-through-research-and-care/
LOCATION:Ballroom
CATEGORIES:Plenary
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Header-Plenary-MorningFriday.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T090000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260309T135425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T135425Z
UID:10000241-1773995400-1773997200@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Higher Education and Community Engagement: Building Health Equity
DESCRIPTION:Black Health’s Health Equity Summit Event is a student-led event held at Lehman College in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY) institutions (Lehman and Hostos Community Colleges). The summit attracts a diverse array of participants\, including students enrolled in degree programs and stakeholders from the public and private sectors who are dedicated to addressing health disparities that impact Black and Brown communities\, specifically communities in the Bronx\, New York. The summit centers around Black Health’s three pillars – education\, policy and advocacy – addressing topics ranging from HIV/AIDS\, mental health\, diabetes\, and other health disparities that disproportionately affect Black and Brown Communities. The summit highlights the importance of engaging young people and educating them not only about health\, but also about their roles in civic engagement and advocacy. By gaining an understanding of the social and political determinants of health\, youth can develop the tools to come up with creative solutions that promote health equity for communities disproportionality impacted by health disparities.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/higher-education-and-community-engagement-building-health-equity/
LOCATION:Podcast Area
CATEGORIES:Podcast
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260225T165105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T141859Z
UID:10000225-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Unseen and Unheard: Navigating Intersectionality and Trust Barriers in Healthcare for Sex Workers
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/unseen-and-unheard-navigating-intersectionality-and-trust-barriers-in-healthcare-for-sex-workers/
LOCATION:Studio E
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T194327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T170512Z
UID:10000217-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Public-Private Partnerships: A Cost-Saving Model to Efficiently End Multiple Public Health Epidemics
DESCRIPTION:Congenital syphilis is a completely preventable condition that imposes a significant clinical and financial burden on our current strained healthcare system. In response to rising infection rates in Miami-Dade County\, Homestead Hospital (HH) implemented an innovative\, Electronic Health Record-integrated Syphilis Screening Algorithm in 2019\, embedded within its existing routine HIV and Hepatitis C testing infrastructure. Prioritizing pregnancy-related indicators\, the system uses the Reverse Sequence Algorithm to enable early detection and treatment\, particularly among pregnant patients. This initiative is supported by a public-private partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County\, ensuring seamless linkage to post-discharge prevention services. \nBetween 2018 and 2021\, HH averted 15 cases of congenital syphilis\, translating to an estimated $1.8 million in healthcare cost savings. Statewide adoption of the model across 12 hospitals contributed to the prevention of 275 cases from 2019 to 2024\, with an estimated cost aversion of nearly $33 million. Beyond the significant financial impact\, the program exemplifies a scalable\, equity-driven approach to public-private partnership interventions. Through the automation of screening and integrating services\, it reduces provider bias\, enhances early interventions\, and supports sustainable epidemic control. Policy updates to support bundled billing and reimbursement are essential for broader implementation and long-term sustainability.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/public-private-partnerships-a-cost-saving-model-to-efficiently-end-multiple-public-health-epidemics/
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T194216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T134113Z
UID:10000216-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Leading from the Body: A New Paradigm for Trauma-Informed Leadership
DESCRIPTION:In today’s climate of burnout\, fear\, and fragmentation\, leadership requires more than strategy—it calls for presence\, relational courage\, and embodiment. Leading from the Body introduces a trauma-informed leadership model rooted in somatic awareness and relational intelligence. This approach recognizes that trauma is not only cognitive—it is emotional\, non-verbal\, and stored in the nervous system. As such\, healing and leadership must begin in the body. \nThis interactive session explores how lived experience and embodied presence shape culture\, relationships\, and organizational change. Participants will engage three foundational principles: \n\nThe Power of Presence: how grounding and awareness impact safety and trust\nBoundaries Before Belonging: why containment is essential for authentic connection\nBefriending Triggers: reframing reactivity as an invitation to relational growth\n\nThrough experiential practices\, somatic reflection\, and real-time scenarios\, attendees will learn the difference between cognitive approaches to trauma-informed care and relational embodiment. The session challenges binary roles such as “leader vs. employee” or “healer vs. the one being healed\,” inviting a more human-centered\, shared paradigm: we are all in this together. \nParticipants will leave with three sustainable practices to support embodied leadership\, including nervous system regulation tools\, relational check-in models\, and reflective practice frameworks. \nThis session is ideal for leaders\, practitioners\, and changemakers ready to shift from managing trauma to healing in community. Trauma-informed leadership is not a fixed destination—it’s a living\, relational practice. This session offers a path to lead from integrity\, resilience\, and the body.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/leading-from-the-body-a-new-paradigm-for-trauma-informed-leadership/
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T193934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T141050Z
UID:10000214-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Bridging Systems: Integrating HIV and Aging Services to Address Behavioral Health and Social Isolation
DESCRIPTION:Older adults living with HIV—especially Black gay men aged 50 and over—face compounding challenges including stigma\, fragmented care\, and under-resourced behavioral health services. This session highlights strategies from the Aging and HIV Institute (A&H)\, a California-based think tank dedicated to bridging HIV and aging service systems. \nA featured initiative is Dundun—a narrative- and policy-focused project funded by the Joseph Beam Black Gay Men’s Wellness Grant. Rooted in the metaphor of the “talking drum\,” Dundun centers the lived experiences of older Black gay men with HIV to influence California’s behavioral health priorities under Proposition 1 and the Master Plan for Aging. A&H will share strategies for using culturally grounded storytelling\, coalition-building\, and legislative outreach to advance mental health equity. \nThe session will also draw from successful local efforts\, such as the LKAPS Roundtable peer support model and the Barbershop program developed with Brothers of the Desert. These initiatives show how community connection and culturally relevant programming can reduce stigma and promote well-being. \nParticipants will leave with tools for engaging marginalized populations in policy advocacy\, integrating HIV and aging services\, and building lasting equity-focused coalitions.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/bridging-systems-integrating-hiv-and-aging-services-to-address-behavioral-health-and-social-isolation/
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T193214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T165709Z
UID:10000211-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Response to Syndemics
DESCRIPTION:StayWell Health Center serves as a leading responder to the overlapping syndemics of HIV\, hepatitis C\, STIs\, and social determinants of health in the Waterbury\, Connecticut metro area. Through a status-neutral approach\, StayWell ensures that all individuals—regardless of HIV status—are connected to comprehensive prevention or treatment services without stigma or delay. \nThis work is supported in part by FOCUS (Frontlines of Communities in the United States)\, an initiative of Gilead Sciences\, which has enhanced our ability to implement the TEST model: Test\, Educate\, Support\, and Treat. This model guides our efforts to expand routine screening\, provide immediate education and counseling\, and ensure same-day linkage to PrEP or HIV treatment services. \nStayWell’s integrated approach relies on close coordination between our clinical team and our outreach and prevention services. Outreach staff provide testing and education in both clinical and community-based settings\, while medical providers offer rapid PrEP initiation and same-day antiretroviral therapy for newly diagnosed individuals. The collaboration has normalized testing\, streamlined linkage to care\, and strengthened outcomes in underserved communities throughout Waterbury. \nRecognizing that health outcomes are influenced by housing\, behavioral health\, and access to basic needs\, our prevention work is closely connected to supportive services. By addressing syndemics holistically\, StayWell is working to reduce disparities\, promote health equity\, and advance Ending the Epidemic goals across the Waterbury area.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/response-to-syndemics/
LOCATION:Studio D
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T185411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T173057Z
UID:10000190-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:From Position Paper to Advocacy: The Kentucky Nurses Association LGBTQ+ SNIPg (Special Nursing Interest Practice Group): Leadership Through Advocacy
DESCRIPTION:As a nation\, we had made great strides in protecting the basic rights of LGBTQ+ persons including their access to appropriate\, quality care. For Kentucky LGBTQ+ persons\, the passage of Kentucky SB 150 in 2023\, progressively began the stripping away of these rights thus putting their well-being and even their lives at risk. Over 70% of LGBTQ+ persons report discrimination when seeking healthcare. Over 50% who do not seek healthcare\, it is due to the fear of discrimination. In 2025\, over 550 bills nationwide have been introduced targeting the LGBTQ+ community. They have confirmed they no longer feel safe\, heard\, or cared for. Forming a LGBTQ+ SNIPg answered the call put before us by our Code of Ethics and statements by our professional organizations. \nFollowing Provisions 1\, 6\, and 9 of the 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses\, we are bound to practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity\, worth\, and unique attributes of everyone in our care. We must ensure a safe and ethical work environment. We must articulate nursing values\, maintain the integrity of the profession\, and integrate principles of social justice into nursing and health policy. As leaders\, we moved from position papers to advocacy and practice. We are breaking barriers caused by fear\, often due to lack of education and understanding. This leads to an explicit bias of care. Our advocacy leaves the LGBTQ+ community valued\, supported\, and cared for in all aspects of their life!
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/from-position-paper-to-advocacy-the-kentucky-nurses-association-lgbtq-snipg-special-nursing-interest-practice-group-leadership-through-advocacy/
LOCATION:Potomac A
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-LGBTQHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T185131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T134206Z
UID:10000189-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Enhancing Service Delivery by Improving Referral Completion Rates for SDOH Needs
DESCRIPTION:Closing the loop on Social Determinants of Health ensures that referrals to supportive services such as housing\, food and mental health are not only initiated but also completed\, tracked\, and resolved\, This approach strengthens care coordination\, reduces barriers to retention\, and promotes health equity by addressing non-medical factors that impact overall well being.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/enhancing-service-delivery-by-improving-referral-completion-rates-for-sdoh-needs/
LOCATION:Potomac A
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-LGBTQHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T185027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T172459Z
UID:10000188-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Breaking Barriers in HIV Prevention: Advancing PrEP Research While Rebuilding Trust in Black Communities
DESCRIPTION:This presentation explores the evolution of HIV prevention through the perspective of a Black woman\, Community Health Advocate\, and clinical research participant deeply engaged in advancing PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) innovation. While biomedical advancements from daily oral PrEP to long acting injectables have expanded prevention options\, Black communities remain underrepresented in research and disproportionately impacted by persistent barriers to access. Through a lived-experience narrative\, this session examines how medical mistrust\, historical trauma\, and unequal power dynamics shape community attitudes toward clinical research and preventive care. \nThe presentation highlights key lessons learned during personal participation in a PrEP clinical trial including the emotional complexity of navigating research as both a subject and an advocate and offers insight into the ethical\, social\, and relational dimensions often missing from traditional public health approaches. Grounded in evidence and storytelling\, this session moves beyond “data awareness” toward “trust repair\,” emphasizing strategies for equitable study design\, culturally responsive recruitment\, and meaningful participant engagement. \nParticipants will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen community trust\, foster authentic partnerships between researchers and impacted populations\, and reframe participation in research not as a risk\, but as a form of advocacy\, agency\, and justice. Ultimately\, this session bridges the gap between scientific advancement and real-world impact by centering lived experience as a critical tool in ending the HIV epidemic.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/breaking-barriers-in-hiv-prevention-advancing-prep-research-while-rebuilding-trust-in-black-communities/
LOCATION:Studio D
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T184600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T171231Z
UID:10000187-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:From Neglect to Respect: Ending the HIV Endemic with Affirmation
DESCRIPTION:Black and urban communities continue to experience the brunt of the HIV epidemic due to systemic inequities rooted in racism\, generational trauma\, and structural neglect. These inequities are compounded by a lack of culturally affirming prevention education\, minimal uptake of PrEP\, and a widespread absence of HIV-related discussions in traditional school systems. LGBTQ/SGL individuals\, especially within Black communities\, experience additional layers of marginalization\, resulting in disproportionate rates of HIV\, mental health challenges\, substance misuse\, and social isolation. \nThis session explores how affirmation-based intervention models — grounded in cultural pride\, self-preservation\, and community affirmation — are essential to ending the HIV endemic. Using a community engagement and harm reduction framework\, we discuss the historical roots of disconnection\, and how strategic investments in culturally affirming outreach and education are critical. We offer models and approaches that center community affirmation\, mental health support\, and intergenerational healing as HIV prevention tools. \nWe argue that without affirming Black lives and identities\, especially within LGBTQ/SGL contexts\, sustainable prevention efforts will continue to fall short. Empowerment\, dignity\, and cultural relevance must be centered in the next chapter of the HIV movement.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/from-neglect-to-respect-ending-the-hiv-endemic-with-affirmation/
LOCATION:Studio D
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T183958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T164322Z
UID:10000183-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Breaking Barriers\, Increasing Safety for Special Populations
DESCRIPTION:Meeting the ever-changing landscape and needs of a community is necessary but is it easy? Absolutely\, not. Boston’s Mass and Cass neighborhood has become the resting place for many who are actively consuming substances\, experiencing homelessness and are at risk of facing street-based trauma. \nIn 2022 Victory Programs opened its doors to The Victory Connector\, a new drop in space in the Mass and Cass neighborhood. A neighborhood that was already home to methadone clinics\, Boston Medical Center (the city hospital)\, Harm Reduction Providers and two homeless shelters. What could Victory Programs do that was different and meeting an unmet need? \nThe Victory Connector serves as a hub for women\, transgender and non-binary individuals navigating the beginning stages of seeking community\, by offering a safe environment to alleviate the isolation resulting from social stigma\, marginalization and street-based trauma. \nA low threshold\, low barrier program that offers a community of support by staff and peers. The Victory Connector offers safer consumption supplies\, HIV/STI testing\, Family Planning Services\, social support\, healthcare navigation\, housing support and hygiene supplies. \nCreating a safer space for populations that often have a harder time accessing service do to gender\, identity and sexual orientation was at the forefront of the development of the Connector. By creating an environment that is safer for specific populations Victory Programs is opening doors to other services and decreasing barriers.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/breaking-barriers-increasing-safety-for-special-populations/
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T174122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T171749Z
UID:10000182-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:LGBTQIA+ Health and Community Engagement in a Politically Charged Climate
DESCRIPTION:In recent years\, the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ communities have come under increasing threat due to the resurgence of discriminatory policies\, heightened political polarization\, and the erosion of rights at both state and national levels. These challenges have created barriers to accessing affirming health care\, heightened stigma\, and placed a strain on existing support systems. In this context\, community engagement has emerged as a powerful tool to foster resilience\, amplify marginalized voices\, and drive equitable public health responses. \nThis presentation explores strategies for effective LGBTQIA+ health promotion and community engagement amid a shifting sociopolitical landscape. Drawing on recent case studies\, grassroots initiatives\, and community-led research\, we examine the ways in which LGBTQIA+ individuals and organizations are responding to policy rollbacks and social hostility. We highlight inclusive health interventions\, mutual aid networks\, and coalition-building as mechanisms for advocacy and care. \nThe session will address: \n\nThe impact of recent legislative actions on LGBTQIA+ health access and mental health.\nCommunity-driven solutions that center queer and trans voices\, particularly those of BIPOC individuals.\nEthical considerations and best practices in engaging LGBTQIA+ communities in research and service delivery under political duress.\nBy centering lived experiences and collective knowledge\, this abstract advocates for a public health framework that not only responds to current challenges but also envisions a more just and affirming future for LGBTQIA+ people.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/lgbtqia-health-and-community-engagement-in-a-politically-charged-climate/
LOCATION:Studio F
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-LGBTQHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T173643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T200336Z
UID:10000180-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:OUTSafe: LGBTQ+ Older Adult Violence Prevention Program
DESCRIPTION:There are more than 3 million LGBTQ+ older adults currently living in the United States and this number is expected to rise to 7 million by 2050. Although this population is becoming more visible\, the National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 65 percent of older LGBTQ+ adults have been victimized. \nIn an effort to address this rising tide of violence against the older LGBTQ+ community in Illinois\, the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA)\, in collaboration with AgeLinc (Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland)\, has launched a new LGBTQ+ Older Adult Violence Prevention Program\, “OUTSafe.” \nOUTSafe is a free\, two-hour cultural competency and anti-violence training program for service professionals working with LGBTQ+ older adults\, including social service providers\, law enforcement\, medical and healthcare providers\, and educators. OUTSafe helps these providers identify issues that may prevent LGBTQ+ older adults from reporting violence or other forms of abuse. The training program also helps people working with older LGBTQ+ adults create a safe space for sharing the needs of this population. \nThis SYNC session will lead attendees through the OUTSafe curriculum and resources\, offering providers in the field an essential tool to address older adult victimization and a guide for creating safe spaces and safer institutions for older LGBTQ+ adults.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/outsafe-lgbtq-older-adult-violence-prevention-program/
LOCATION:Studio F
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-LGBTQHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T173052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T171407Z
UID:10000177-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Clinic: How Holy Cross Health is Transforming LGBTQ+ Health Through Outreach and Advocacy
DESCRIPTION:Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale\, Florida\, is advancing health equity through a comprehensive\, community-based approach to HIV prevention and care\, STI and Hepatitis C screening\, and LGBTQ+ health. Broward County remains one of the nation’s HIV epicenters\, with 579 new diagnoses in 2022\, far exceeding the national average. Despite this\, 96.2 percent of people living with HIV in the county know their status\, and 80.8 percent are linked to care within one month. Holy Cross Health’s initiatives\, such as community outreach\, HIV self-testing\, and culturally competent education\, are designed to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals who are disproportionately affected by these conditions. The program is led by community advocates and LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals who step beyond traditional clinical roles to engage directly with the community. This session will explore the program’s design\, implementation\, and measurable impact\, offering a replicable model for other health systems.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/beyond-the-clinic-how-holy-cross-health-is-transforming-lgbtq-health-through-outreach-and-advocacy/
LOCATION:Studio F
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-LGBTQHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T172850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T170407Z
UID:10000176-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:The Healing Room: Yoga and Other Alternative Healing Modalities as Tools for Harm Reduction
DESCRIPTION:The integration of yoga and other alternative healing modalities into harm reduction strategies represents a growing\, holistic approach to addressing substance use\, mental health challenges\, and trauma. Harm reduction\, traditionally focused on minimizing the negative consequences of drug use and other high-risk behaviors\, can be enhanced by incorporating mind-body practices that foster self-regulation and awareness\, resilience\, and embodied awareness and healing. \nYoga\, with its emphasis on breath control\, physical postures\, and meditative focus\, has shown promise in reducing stress\, improving emotional regulation\, and increasing body awareness—key factors in interrupting cycles of addiction and promoting recovery. Reiki’s potential role in harm reduction for harm reduction lies in its ability to reduce stress and anxiety\, support emotional healing\, and promote overall well-being. \nThis session explores the emerging evidence supporting yoga and other healing modalities as a complementary harm reduction tool\, particularly in underserved or high-risk populations. Drawing on interdisciplinary research\, community-based programs\, and trauma-informed frameworks\, it underscores alternative healing modalities potential to serve not as a replacement for clinical treatment but as an accessible\, empowering adjunct that supports individual agency\, healing\, and long-term well-being. Visitors to The Healing Room will participate in a presentation and guided discussion of the use of alternative healing modalities followed by a 20-30 minute Restorative yoga practice.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/the-healing-room-yoga-and-other-alternative-healing-modalities-as-tools-for-harm-reduction/
LOCATION:Studio A
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T172407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T171136Z
UID:10000175-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Successes in Diagnosis and Linkage Where HIV and Viral Hepatitis Testing Programming Occurs Within a Syringe Service Program (SSP)
DESCRIPTION:Queen City Harm Reduction (QCHR) is the only organization expressly centered around harm reduction principles and syringe access in Mecklenburg County\, North Carolina\, where the city of Charlotte is based\, and seeks to minimize the harms associated with substance use and other intersecting conditions such as sex work\, justice involvement\, and homelessness. QCHR proactively educates peers and the community on drug user health promoting prevention of infectious disease\, overdose\, and compassionate care. Through an extensive testing and linkage program\, it has become clear that when full wrap-around services are offered within a trusted SSP\, there will be fewer barriers for people who use drugs (PWUD)\, people engaging in sex work\, and other marginalized populations to access care. Education is also more accessible for these populations when it is provided in a setting where they have trust and rapport with the outreach workers providing it\, as well as where they have access to supplies needed to engage in prevention practices.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/successes-in-diagnosis-and-linkage-where-hiv-and-viral-hepatitis-testing-programming-occurs-within-a-syringe-service-program-ssp/
LOCATION:Studio A
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T172145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T170143Z
UID:10000174-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Empowerment Circle: A Peer-Led Recovery Support Group Integrating HIV Prevention\, Harm Reduction\, and Whole-Community Wellness
DESCRIPTION:The Empowerment Circle is a peer-led recovery support group serving individuals impacted by substance use\, trauma\, HIV\, and systemic health disparities across the broader community—including LGBTQ+ populations\, returning citizens\, older adults\, and people with lived experience of homelessness. What makes this model unique is its inclusive approach: while centering recovery\, it intentionally brings together diverse participants in a shared healing space. \nHosted weekly at the AmaSSi Wellness Center in Baltimore\, Maryland\, the Empowerment Circle uses a trauma-informed and harm reduction framework to promote emotional\, physical\, and sexual health. The group structure is guided by SAMHSA’s four dimensions of recovery—Health\, Home\, Purpose\, and Community—and incorporates simplified lesson plans\, HIV prevention tools\, and low-barrier access to care. Participants engage in peer discussions\, relapse prevention planning\, linkage to resources\, and expressive art therapy in collaboration with interns from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). \nThis program bridges clinical services with community engagement\, offering free HIV testing\, Narcan education\, and creative coping strategies. The Empowerment Circle creates a safe and affirming environment where all are welcomed—regardless of identity\, background\, or recovery stage.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/empowerment-circle-a-peer-led-recovery-support-group-integrating-hiv-prevention-harm-reduction-and-whole-community-wellness/
LOCATION:Studio A
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T170540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T181939Z
UID:10000167-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Diverse\, Low Barrier MAT Programs: Case Studies for Increasing Access to Prevent Overdose
DESCRIPTION:In response to the opioid overdose epidemic\, national efforts to increase access to medication assisted treatment (MAT) have driven key policy changes in an effort to promote access to lifesaving treatment such as methadone and buprenorphine. Facente Consulting and The Center at the Sierra Health Foundation partnered to assess the current landscape of MAT services throughout several settings in California\, and created a series of case study videos\, a landscape analysis report\, and policy briefs. This presentation will explore the process and findings of this landscape analysis\, sharing some key case study videos and highlighting the various creative ways that programs have integrated MAT treatment into existing models even if they do not have a prescribing provider onsite. Participants will become familiarized with the meaning and significance of low barriers services in an MAT setting\, and will discuss various ways that MAT programs have been successful in preventing overdose and improving the overall health and wellness of their clients through provision of MAT.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/diverse-low-barrier-mat-programs-case-studies-for-increasing-access-to-prevent-overdose/
LOCATION:Studio A
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T165811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T172410Z
UID:10000163-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:From Harm Reduction to Gender Joy: Advancing LGBTQ Health Equity Through Affirming Care for Transgender Youth
DESCRIPTION:Gender-affirming care (GAC) lies at the heart of LGBTQ health equity\, reflecting the compassion\, collaboration\, and innovation central to SYNC’s theme\, Forward in SYNChronicity. Too often reduced to policy debate\, GAC is a transformative public health practice that promotes gender euphoria\, belonging\, and resilience. When social and medical supports align with an individual’s affirmed gender identity and expression\, transgender and gender-diverse youth experience measurable improvements in mental health and overall quality of life. \nUsing Oregon’s All-Payer All-Claims dataset (2016–2023)\, this analysis examines GAC utilization among transgender and gender-diverse adolescents\, identifying disparities by insurance type\, age\, and sex assigned at birth—even within one of the nation’s most affirming policy environments. Quantitative findings are contextualized with lived experience: the journey of raising a ten-year-old transgender son\, illustrating\, through narrative and video excerpts\, how timely\, evidence-based\, and affirming care fosters gender euphoria\, confidence\, safety\, and family cohesion. \nResults show that privately insured adolescents are significantly more likely to access GAC than those with public insurance. Youth assigned female at birth and older adolescents receive care at higher rates than younger peers or those assigned male at birth. These disparities persist even as Oregon’s longstanding protections face potential rollback\, highlighting the urgency of safeguarding access. \nTogether\, the data and lived experience affirm that equitable\, affirming care is essential to youth mental health\, family resilience\, and community well-being. Centering gender joy and euphoria reframes GAC not merely as harm reduction but as a vital investment in LGBTQ health equity and human flourishing.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/from-harm-reduction-to-gender-joy-advancing-lgbtq-health-equity-through-affirming-care-for-transgender-youth/
LOCATION:Potomac A
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-LGBTQHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T165356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T181841Z
UID:10000161-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Project GROWTH: A Culturally Responsive Workforce Development Program for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Washington\, DC
DESCRIPTION:Project GROWTH is a culturally grounded wraparound workforce development program implemented by Us Helping Us\, People Into Living Inc. It serves transgender\, non-binary\, and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Washington\, DC. Developed in response to structural barriers TGNC youth face in accessing employment and support services\, which can lead to engagement in transactional sex\, the 12-month program offers job readiness training\, subsidized and unsubsidized work experiences\, occupational certifications\, and personalized case management. \nSince its launch in September 2020\, Project GROWTH has trained and supported three cohorts of TGNC youth\, with 21 fellows completing the program. Fellows participate in monthly one-on-one check-ins\, professional development\, and skill-building workshops led by TGNC professionals. Wraparound services include housing navigation\, mental health counseling\, and career coaching. The most recent cohort completed job readiness and occupational training\, received part-time employment\, and are being considered for internal positions at Us Helping Us. Previous fellows have secured jobs aligned with their interests. \nThis first-of-its-kind program’s iterative design addresses the cultural\, economic\, health\, and emotional needs of TGNC youth\, particularly those facing persistent joblessness and homelessness. Strategic partnerships and intentional community engagement\, such as Pride events and the Trans Visibility March\, help expand fellows’ networks and strengthen community bonds. This presentation will share key outcomes\, implementation strategies\, lessons learned\, and future adaptations aimed at reducing barriers and promoting employment equity for TGNC youth. Us Helping Us is also exploring opportunities to expand the program and its impact.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/project-growth-a-culturally-responsive-workforce-development-program-for-transgender-and-gender-non-conforming-youth-experiencing-homelessness-in-washington-dc/
LOCATION:Potomac A
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-LGBTQHealth.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T132947
CREATED:20260120T163325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T173947Z
UID:10000152-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Michigan’s Approach to Eliminating Hepatitis C Through Telehealth
DESCRIPTION:Michigan’s hepatitis C (HCV) cases have been on the decline since 2022\, due to several coordinated efforts including\, eliminating Medicaid restrictions\, partnering with a pharmaceutical company to offer low-cost direct acting-antivirals (DAA)\, to hiring an academic detailer to educate medical students and providers\, to creating a hepatitis C disease intervention specialist (DIS) program to link individuals to care. Despite these interventions\, access barriers and treatment disparities remain. The HCV Telehealth Treatment Program (HTTP) aims to provide low barrier care while increasing access to evaluation and treatment to all Michiganders. \nIn 2024\, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) hired a nurse practitioner (NP) to implement the HTTP. The program was piloted with the MDHHS HCV DIS and recently expanded to receive referrals from syringe service programs and local health departments. The NP is responsible for providing HCV clinical evaluation\, treatment\, care coordination\, and follow-up via telehealth appointments. The HTTP strives to provide low barrier care by providing flexible appointment times outside the standard hours\, 100% telehealth besides lab work\, check-ins and reminders are done by text messaging\, and if individuals need more support or experiencing barriers to treatment and/or treatment adherence they can be referred to the MDHHS HCV DIS. \nThe HTTP received its first referral in July 2025 and since then has received 51 referrals with 24 people having started or completed treatment. The average time from referral to consultation is three days and from consultation treatment starting.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/michigans-approach-to-eliminating-hepatitis-c-through-telehealth/
LOCATION:Terrace
CATEGORIES:Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HCV.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR