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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
CREATED:20260121T134136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T140059Z
UID:10000220-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Scaling Inpatient HIV and HCV Screening Across Hospital Service Lines: Advancing Early Diagnosis\, Health Equity\, and System Efficiency in High-Risk Communities
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/scaling-inpatient-hiv-and-hcv-screening-across-hospital-service-lines-advancing-early-diagnosis-health-equity-and-system-efficiency-in-high-risk-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:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
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:20260524T024158
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:20260524T024158
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
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:20260524T024158
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:20260524T024158
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:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T151500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
CREATED:20260306T183627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T183627Z
UID:10000239-1773929700-1773933300@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Gilead Patient Ambassador Program: Journey Beyond HIV
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/gilead-patient-ambassador-program-journey-beyond-hiv/
LOCATION:Studio D
CATEGORIES:Special Session
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
CREATED:20260302T150459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T125115Z
UID:10000229-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Narrowing Care Gaps in the HIV Care Continuum
DESCRIPTION:Bridging care gaps in the HIV care continuum\, this presentation will review current HIV epidemiology in the United States\, examine gaps across the HIV care continuum\, and highlight missed opportunities in diagnosis\, linkage\, and retention in care. The session will underscore the importance of routine HIV screening and timely engagement in care\, and will discuss evidence‑based strategies—including rapid initiation and re‑initiation of antiretroviral therapy—to reduce HIV transmission through sex and help narrow persistent gaps in HIV care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/narrowing-care-gaps/
LOCATION:Studio D
CATEGORIES:Special Session
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
CREATED:20260120T191807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T143124Z
UID:10000202-1773849600-1773855000@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Sniffies: Not Just for Hook-ups — How Your Prevention Department Can Expand Outreach in Real Time
DESCRIPTION:This session will introduce some of the dating apps people are using—specifically Sniffies—and outlining how agencies can use the software to establish patterns for sexual activity in the immediate area and develop strategies to outreach options in real time\, ultimately leading to an increase in PrEP and STI prevention uptake across all demographics.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/sniffies-not-just-for-hook-ups-how-your-prevention-department-can-expand-outreach-in-real-time/
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:20260318T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
CREATED:20260120T191422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T143708Z
UID:10000200-1773849600-1773855000@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:MSM Perspectives on Hypothetical Novel HIV Testing and Linkage Technology in South Carolina
DESCRIPTION:Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S. South face a disproportionate burden of HIV yet remain underserved in traditional prevention and care pathways. Stigma\, structural inequities\, and limited access to culturally competent services contribute to poor engagement across the HIV care continuum. These barriers are exacerbated by resource-constrained settings such as the rural South. \nEfforts to reduce HIV incidence have been bolstered by biomedical tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and increased availability of HIV self-testing kits. PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition when taken consistently\, yet uptake remains low among MSM in the South\, particularly among Black and Hispanic populations. Similarly\, while HIV self-testing offers privacy and convenience\, its implementation raises concerns about follow-up care and emotional preparedness. \nIn parallel\, the rise of mobile health (mHealth) platforms has introduced new opportunities to bridge gaps in HIV prevention and treatment service delivery. Yet the effectiveness of these tools depends on their cultural relevance\, accessibility\, and integration with the broader healthcare system. This study explores how MSM in South Carolina (SC) perceive and navigate HIV testing\, self-testing\, treatment\, and mHealth-connected services\, with attention to how these factors intersect with their lived experiences. Understanding these perspectives is critical to designing interventions that are responsible for the unique barriers and facilitators shaping HIV engagement in this population.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/msm-perspectives-on-hypothetical-novel-hiv-testing-and-linkage-technology-in-south-carolina/
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:20260318T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
CREATED:20260120T191240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T180517Z
UID:10000199-1773849600-1773855000@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Taking the Test Home: NKY Health's Inclusive Approach to HIV Self Test Access
DESCRIPTION:This presentation offers an in-depth exploration of NKY Health’s expansive HIV self-test distribution program\, highlighting its multifaceted approach to making test kits readily available throughout the Northern Kentucky community. Our primary goal has been to maximize reach\, ensuring these vital resources get into the hands of as many people as possible. \nTo achieve the program goals\, NKY Health utilized diverse and innovative distribution methods\, including partnerships with harm reduction service sites\, collaboration with dedicated community advocacy organizations\, direct outreach in local bars and popular hangouts\, the strategic placement of vending machines\, and a convenient mail-to-home service. \nBeyond distribution\, the team will delve into the program’s robust data strategy. We’ll discuss the thoughtful design of our data collection instruments\, the practical methods employed for gathering this crucial information\, and most importantly\, how this data has been instrumental in shaping future program enhancements and refining our outreach activities.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/taking-the-test-home-nky-healths-inclusive-approach-to-hiv-self-test-access/
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:20260318T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T173000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
CREATED:20260120T190926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T142907Z
UID:10000198-1773849600-1773855000@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:PrEPared RN: Bridging Health Equity Gaps Through Nurse-Delivered PrEP
DESCRIPTION:This session showcases how nurses are transforming HIV prevention in one of the nation’s highest-incidence regions. This innovative\, nurse-led model expands access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through standing orders\, telehealth\, and mobile outreach\, allowing same-day initiation of care. By empowering nurses to manage 96% of PrEP cases and tailoring services to uninsured\, LGBTQ+\, migrant\, and communities of color\, PrEPared RN has increased uptake by 86% and now delivers 67% of all PrEP care at CAN Community Health in South Florida. The session highlights how this scalable model integrates cultural responsiveness\, community partnership\, and clinical innovation to advance health equity and accelerate progress toward ending the HIV epidemic.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/prepared-rn-bridging-health-equity-gaps-through-nurse-delivered-prep/
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:20260318T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T153000
DTSTAMP:20260524T024158
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
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR