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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260525T151057
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260525T151057
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:20260525T151057
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260525T151057
CREATED:20260120T143224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T165922Z
UID:10000108-1773936000-1773941400@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Scaling PrEP in Women’s Health: Findings from a Pilot on OBGYN Practices in Mississippi
DESCRIPTION:Black women in Mississippi continue to experience disproportionate rates of HIV\, representing 78% of HIV diagnoses among women\, despite being only 18.1% of new diagnoses statewide. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a proven biomedical prevention strategy\, yet uptake among Black women remains low. This pilot study assessed the knowledge\, perceptions\, and practices of obstetrician–gynecologists (OBGYNs) in Mississippi regarding PrEP to inform a broader implementation effort. Following IRB approval\, a 36-question survey was distributed to 100 OBGYN providers\, with a response rate of 36%. Surveys evaluated provider knowledge of PrEP guidelines\, side effects\, and recommended lab monitoring\, as well as perceptions of PrEP’s safety and efficacy\, prescribing comfort\, and barriers to implementation. \nAlthough most respondents viewed PrEP as effective and safe\, few routinely prescribed it or discussed it with patients. Barriers included limited familiarity with CDC guidelines\, uncertainty about baseline and ongoing monitoring\, and perceptions of patient-level challenges. Planned qualitative interviews (n=15) and member-checking sessions with clinicians (n=5) will further identify implementation needs and inform training. Overall\, the study highlights an urgent need for targeted educational interventions to improve provider knowledge and prescribing practices. \nStrengthening OBGYN capacity to integrate PrEP into routine care is critical to reducing HIV incidence and advancing health equity for Black women in Mississippi. Findings will guide a forthcoming statewide\, grant-funded initiative to scale PrEP delivery in women’s health settings\, supporting the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative’s goals and addressing persistent disparities in HIV prevention access and outcomes.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/scaling-prep-in-womens-health-findings-from-a-pilot-on-obgyn-practices-in-mississippi/
LOCATION:Studio B
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:20260318T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T153000
DTSTAMP:20260525T151057
CREATED:20250718T134103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T181058Z
UID:10000067-1773838800-1773847800@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:EmpowHERed Resilience: Advancing Black Women's Health Together
DESCRIPTION:Black Women’s Health Institute\nEmpowHERed Resilience is a transformative storytelling experience and institute for Black women to gather\, reflect\, and heal. Through a four-part video series\, participants engage with lived stories across HIV prevention\, care\, and long-term wellness\, uplifting sexual health and honoring the full spectrum of Black women’s experiences. This session fosters connection\, affirms lived wisdom\, and builds supportive networks\, empowering Black women to move forward with strength\, purpose\, and possibility. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nDescribe at least two self-care\, resilience\, and advocacy tools that support Black women’s wellness.\nExplore community-centered approaches to sexual health across the HIV continuum.\nIdentify one practice to amplify Black women’s voices and strengthen collective care.\nDiscuss how fear\, uncertainty\, and social conditions impact sexual health decisions and access to HIV prevention and care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/empowhered-resilience/
LOCATION:Studio D
CATEGORIES:Institute
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Header-SYNC2026-Institute-BlackWomen.jpg
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