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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Synchronicity
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T014001
CREATED:20260120T193634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T180210Z
UID:10000213-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Aging While Black and LGBTQ+/SGL: Legacy\, Equity\, and the HIV Long-Term Survivor Experience
DESCRIPTION:This interactive session explores the intersection of aging\, race\, gender identity\, and sexuality through the lens of Black LGBTQ+/SGL individuals living with HIV. Drawing from lived experiences and frameworks like Aging While Black by Raymond Jetson\, the session redefines aging not as decline\, but as a site for power\, healing\, and systemic transformation. \nParticipants will engage with narrative testimonies\, policy critiques\, and culturally affirming models that center the resilience and wisdom of long-term HIV survivors. Despite the medical advances that have extended life expectancy\, many Black LGBTQ+/SGL elders still face structural inequities such as housing insecurity\, behavioral health neglect\, inadequate caregiving supports\, and economic instability—all rooted in systems of racism\, ageism\, and homophobia. \nThrough collaborative dialogue\, attendees will examine the political determinants of health\, uplift elder leadership\, and co-create actionable strategies for promoting aging equity. Participants will leave with practical tools\, a renewed commitment to affirming care\, and an expanded understanding of how to better support aging Black LGBTQ+/SGL communities affected by HIV.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/aging-while-black-and-lgbtq-sgl-legacy-equity-and-the-hiv-long-term-survivor-experience/
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:20260524T014001
CREATED:20260120T191920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T133234Z
UID:10000203-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:The San Francisco Principles 2020: Centering Long-Term HIV Survivors in Research\, Care\, and Advocacy
DESCRIPTION:The San Francisco Principles 2020 builds on the 1983 Denver Principles to highlight the critical needs of long-term HIV/AIDS survivors (LTS) as they age with HIV. This important statement brings attention to the linked problems of aging\, unfair health access\, and how systems often ignore marginalized people within the LTS community. \nMany LTS individuals experience faster physical and mental decline. This is often made worse by poverty\, ongoing stigma\, and very limited access to good healthcare. Even though they have contributed so much to our understanding of HIV/AIDS and are dedicated advocates\, their experiences are too often ignored in important research and policy decisions. \nTo address these serious concerns\, the San Francisco Principles ask for specialized elder care designed for LTS survivors\, as well as easy-to-access mental health services that truly understand their deep and often difficult experiences. \nA key part of the Principles is to get more LTS survivors involved in all decision-making. This makes sure that resources are not only fair but also truly meet their needs. The San Francisco Principles promote a unified effort\, connecting the challenges of HIV/AIDS survivors with larger social justice movements. This strong partnership aims to break down unfair system differences and strongly promote health equity for everyone\, especially people of color and those living with HIV/AIDS.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/the-san-francisco-principles-2020-centering-long-term-hiv-survivors-in-research-care-and-advocacy/
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:20260524T014001
CREATED:20260120T155621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T182451Z
UID:10000134-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Hartford Employment Initiative: Addressing Critical Employment Gaps for Persons Living with HIV (PLWH)
DESCRIPTION:The employment landscape for PLWH in the Hartford Transitional Grant Area (TGA) presents significant challenges. According to the 2022 Statewide Needs Assessment Survey\, 54.46% of PLWH were unemployed\, with 59.46% unemployment within the TGA. Among respondents\, 78% of individuals over 50 lacked access to career and life skills training\, limiting their ability to secure stable\, fulfilling employment.\nFurther highlighting the issue\, the CDC’s 2021 Medical Monitoring Project found that 39% of adults diagnosed with HIV reported unemployment or inability to work\, a substantial indicator of barriers such as stigma\, health-related limitations\, and systemic socioeconomic challenges.\nAdditionally\, results from a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) provider survey emphasized the lack of confidence among service providers in delivering effective employment support. Many staff members expressed that:\n• They lacked adequate time to focus on employment assistance.\n• They require additional training to better support clients in securing jobs.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/hartford-employment-initiative-addressing-critical-employment-gaps-for-persons-living-with-hiv-plwh/
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:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T014001
CREATED:20260120T150557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T174820Z
UID:10000119-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:HIV and Cognitive Decline: Understanding HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder
DESCRIPTION:With advancements in HIV treatment\, individuals living with HIV are now living longer\, By 2030\, 70% of people living with HIV (PLWH) will be ages 50 and older. But\, as PLWH age they face unique challenges\, particularly with cognitive health. One major concern is HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND)\, a form of cognitive decline more common among PLWH. This presentation will provide a brief overview of HIV care; the signs and risk factors for HAND; similarities and differences between HAND and Alzheimer’s disease; and why accurately diagnosing cognitive change in PLWH is so important.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/hiv-and-cognitive-decline-understanding-hiv-associated-neurocognitive-disorder/
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:20260524T014001
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T014001
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:20260524T014001
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:20260524T014001
CREATED:20260120T152444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T170916Z
UID:10000123-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Understanding the Sociocultural Context of HIV Outcomes for Transgender Women of Color Age 50+: A Secondary Analysis of the Transgender Women of Color Initiative Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center (TETAC) Dataset
DESCRIPTION:Recent data from the U.S estimated that over half (57%) of transgender women (TW)\, aged 50+\, are living with HIV. Findings lacked analysis by age\, gender\, and race/ethnicity\, but found 62% HIV prevalence among Black trans women\, suggesting potential HIV disparities for older TW of color. \nWe conducted multi-variable analysis of baseline TETAC survey data to assess if HIV health outcomes differ for TW aged 50+ and TW aged 49 and younger and looked at variation by social determinants of health (e.g. education and income) and service utilization (e.g. mental health services\, food assistance). We conducted thematic analysis with a sub-set of interviews to provide context for results. \nParticipants aged 50+ were more likely to be engaged in care than younger participants\, with older Black TW slightly less likely to be engaged in care than Latina TW. Importantly\, service use attenuated the relationship between age and engagement in care. Analysis of interviews identified ways that greater community connection\, supportive relationships\, and use of services were solidified over time\, resulting in greater stability among older participants as compared to younger participants. \nThis study focused on HIV outcomes and health services access for TW aged 50 and older\, making important contributions to the context of care for this population sub-group\, who shoulder disproportionately high HIV prevalence. Findings highlight the critical role of support services in HIV care engagement and the potential for expanded access and intergenerational peer support programs to ameliorate HIV-related disparities based on age and race.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/understanding-the-sociocultural-context-of-hiv-outcomes-for-transgender-women-of-color/
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:20260524T014001
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:20260524T014001
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:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T014001
CREATED:20260120T160438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T160536Z
UID:10000137-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Bridging the Gap: Sexual Health Education as Prevention for Older Adults
DESCRIPTION:Older adults are increasingly affected by rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)\, yet they remain underserved in sexual health education efforts. This mixed-methods study evaluated the effectiveness of a tailored sexual health intervention designed to increase STI knowledge and explore attitudes\, beliefs\, and barriers to preventive behaviors among adults aged 65 and older. \nThe intervention\, delivered in small-group sessions at two community-based sexual health clinics in Southern California\, incorporated the CDC’s Safe in the City video and a culturally responsive STI brochure. A total of 77 participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys using the validated STD-Knowledge Questionnaire\, and 15 participants completed semi-structured interviews before the intervention to provide contextual insight into their experiences. Quantitative findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in STI knowledge after the intervention (p < .001)\, with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.83)\, indicating that brief\, targeted education can meaningfully strengthen understanding of STI prevention among older adults. \nQualitative analysis identified recurring themes of perceived exclusion from sexual health messaging\, mistrust in healthcare communication\, and persistent structural barriers which included stigma\, language inaccessibility\, limited access to services\, and immigration-related concerns\, that hinder engagement in preventive behaviors. Together\, these results illustrate that while tailored education is effective in improving knowledge\, broader systemic and social barriers continue to shape preventive decision-making among aging populations. \nThis study highlights the importance of culturally responsive\, age-appropriate interventions and underscores the need for comprehensive structural strategies to reduce disparities and promote equitable sexual health outcomes for aging populations.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/bridging-the-gap-sexual-health-education-as-prevention-for-older-adults/
LOCATION:Studio B
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,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:20260318T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T153000
DTSTAMP:20260524T014001
CREATED:20250718T133920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T125701Z
UID:10000066-1773831600-1773847800@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Diagnosis: Building Systems for Healthy Aging with HIV
DESCRIPTION:Aging with HIV Institute\nPeople Aging With HIV are navigating longer lives within systems that were never designed to support aging\, multimorbidity\, or long-term stability. Clinical advances have extended life expectancy\, but the systems surrounding care—workforce pipelines\, financing structures\, and service integration—have not kept pace. As a result\, many experience uneven access to aging-appropriate services\, including highly complex and long-term care needs\, as policy and reimbursement pressures place the long-term sustainability of HIV care systems at risk. Healthy aging with HIV depends on care models and workforce capacity that support function\, continuity\, and stability across later life. \nDrawing from HealthHIV’s Fifth Annual State of Aging with HIV™ National Survey findings from consumers and the HIV workforce\, the Institute explores how clinical realities and patient experience are shaped by current care system capacity\, workforce readiness\, and access conditions. It also considers how system conditions influence who delivers care and where gaps persist\, reshaping the HIV workforce at a critical juncture. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe key issues shaping the experience of aging with HIV\, including multimorbidity\, mobility limitations\, housing instability\, and the long-term impacts of accelerated aging and early antiretroviral treatment.\nAssess whether current systems and providers are prepared to meet the full spectrum of aging-related needs in HIV care.\nExplore structural and policy innovation by identifying strategies to align HIV services with healthy aging priorities\, invest in workforce readiness\, and build models of care that sustain quality of life over time.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/beyond-the-diagnosis-building-systems-for-healthy-aging-with-hiv/
LOCATION:Studio E
CATEGORIES:Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Header-SYNC2026-Institute-AgingWithHIVv2.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR