BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Synchronicity - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://syncconference.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Synchronicity
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T121500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
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:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260120T151020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T174058Z
UID:10000120-1774003500-1774008900@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Navigating HIV in Pregnancy: Clinical Scenarios and Guideline-Based Management for Infants and Pregnant People
DESCRIPTION:Understanding HIV in the context of pregnancy is essential for clinicians aiming to prevent perinatal transmission and support the health of both the parent and infant. With advancements in antiretroviral therapy and evolving guidelines\, ensuring up-to-date knowledge is critical for delivering safe\, effective\, and culturally sensitive care. \nThis presentation will explore critical considerations in the management of HIV in the context of pregnancy\, focusing on evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines. Divided into three clinically relevant scenarios\, the session will address: (1) treatment and monitoring of HIV in pregnant individuals\, (2) postnatal management of infants with in utero exposure to HIV\, and (3) considerations for HIV-positive parents who plan to breastfeed. Each topic will be anchored by a clinical case\, offering participants an opportunity to apply current guidelines. Emphasis will be placed on reducing risk of perinatal HIV transmission\, optimizing maternal and infant outcomes\, and navigating ethical and cultural factors in decision making. Attendees will leave with practical clinical pearls and an updated understanding of best practices in HIV care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/navigating-hiv-in-pregnancy-clinical-scenarios-and-guideline-based-management-for-infants-and-pregnant-people/
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:20260522T040003
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:20260522T040003
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:20260319T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T173000
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
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:20260522T040003
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:20260522T040003
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:20260319T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260120T141330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202307Z
UID:10000103-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Implementation of Routine Opt-Out HIV Testing across the University of California-San Diego Health Systems
DESCRIPTION:In 2006\, the CDC shared revised guidance recommending HIV testing be provided to individuals 13-64 years of age\, regardless of risk\, in all health-care settings unless patients opt out of the service. This approach\, known as Routine Opt-Out HIV Testing (ROOT)\, is key in identifying persons with undiagnosed HIV\, persons previously testing positive but not engaged in HIV care or virally suppressed\, and persons testing negative that could be referred to preventative services. \nAlthough ROOT has contributed to increased HIV testing across the United States\, wide-scale implementation across San Diego County has been slow. As part of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative (EHE)\, the County of San Diego partnered with the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) to implement a systems-level strategy to integrate ROOT activities across multiple UCSD departments. ROOT was first implemented at UCSD’s Children’s Emergency Department\, Student Health Services\, and Urgent Care\, with Internal Medicine\, Family Medicine\, and Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient settings added in the second half of the year. \nIn the first year of the program\, 11\,766 HIV screening tests were completed\, yielding four new HIV infections in which patients were linked to care within two weeks. Successful implementation of this project required large-scale operational changes\, increased inter-departmental communication\, and buy-in from department champions spearheading efforts with front-line staff. Lessons from this implementation can be used to support other agencies in increasing ROOT efforts\, leading to increased detection of HIV infections\, timely access to care\, reduced transmission\, and progress made towards meeting local EHE goals.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/implementation-of-routine-opt-out-hiv-testing-across-the-university-of-california-san-diego-health-systems/
LOCATION:Studio F
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:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260119T192240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202202Z
UID:10000092-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Making the Uncomfortable Routine: Transforming Sexual Health Conversations in Rural Settings
DESCRIPTION:Discussing sexual health with patients is essential to quality care\, yet it remains one of the most uncomfortable and overlooked aspects of clinical practice\, especially in rural health settings. Many patients have never received comprehensive\, accurate\, or inclusive sexual health education\, leaving significant gaps in knowledge that directly affect prevention\, screening\, and overall well-being. This session will provide practical\, approachable strategies for integrating sexual history–taking and sexual health education into routine patient encounters. \nParticipants will learn “how-to” techniques for initiating and guiding conversations about sexual history through a lens of prevention\, risk reduction\, and patient-centered care. The presentation will emphasize creating a safe\, respectful\, and non-judgmental environment that encourages patients to ask questions and engage openly. Special attention will be given to the unique challenges faced in rural communities\, where stigma\, limited resources\, and lack of formal education can further inhibit discussions about sexual health. \nThrough case examples and evidence-informed approaches\, attendees will gain tools to normalize sexual health conversations\, build trust\, and reduce discomfort for both patients and providers. By the end of the session\, participants will be able to confidently incorporate comprehensive sexual health education into their practice and foster a clinical environment where patients feel supported\, respected\, and empowered to understand their own sexual health. \nThis session ultimately argues that while sexual health conversations may never feel “sexy\,” they are critical and\, with the right skills and setting\, they can become a natural\, effective part of everyday patient care.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/making-the-uncomfortable-routine-transforming-sexual-health-conversations-in-rural-settings/
LOCATION:Studio F
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:20260319T154500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260119T191124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T202109Z
UID:10000090-1773929700-1773935100@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Intercourse: Sex Ed for Congress
DESCRIPTION:A lack of equitable access to HIV/AIDS\, and STI prevention and treatment begins at a systematic level with a lack of comprehensive sex education\, including PrEP\, in schools. While the majority of states require HIV/AIDS education\, there are huge disparities in who receives said education and the quality of said information. This is further compounded by budget/appropriations and policy reforms\, which further strain the workforce capable of delivering comprehensive sex education. Inaccurate and stigmatizing education creates barriers to HIV prevention\, care\, testing\, and treatment for everyone – which further perpetuates inequities in care for marginalized populations\, especially among Black and Latino men\, MSM\, and transgender women. This presentation provides an update on federal reproductive healthcare and access litigation and policy\, and highlights strategies for systems change\, including policy reforms\, advocacy\, research\, collaboration\, and capacity-building to address the implications of unequal access to sex education.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/intercourse-sex-ed-for-congress/
LOCATION:Studio F
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:20260319T153500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260119T190815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T233712Z
UID:10000089-1773929700-1773934500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Building Systemwide Capacity for Syndemic Screening: Baptist Health’s Expansion Across Miami-Dade County
DESCRIPTION:To address the intersecting epidemics of HIV\, Hepatitis C (HCV)\, and syphilis in Miami-Dade County\, Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) expanded its innovative Electronic Health Record (EHR) syndemic screening model across multiple emergency departments in 2024. Building on the success of Homestead Hospital (HH) and West Kendall Baptist Hospital’s (WKBH) routine HIV/HCV screening program\, Baptist Main Hospital (BMH) and South Miami Hospital (SMH) implemented scalable workflows and smart syphilis screening algorithms into their EHR. This expansion was supported by strategic public-private partnerships with hospital leadership and the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) which provided a dedicated Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) to ensure timely linkage to care and prevention services. \nIn the first year\, both hospitals saw dramatic increases in HIV testing\, BMH by 705% and SMH by 1\,013% with over 22\,000 combined tests and nearly 100 individuals linked to care HIV including relinking and confirming HIV care with the DOH-Miami-Dade. Syphilis screening also identified and supported numerous cases\, especially with pregnant individuals\, helping to prevent congenital transmission through referrals to Comprehensive Preventive Services (CPS). This initiative demonstrates the feasibility and impact of embedding syndemic screening into emergency care\, offering a replicable model for other health systems aiming to reduce disease burden\, enhance prevention\, improve outcomes\, and lower healthcare costs through early detection and intervention.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/building-systemwide-capacity-for-syndemic-screening-baptist-healths-expansion-across-miami-dade-county/
LOCATION:Studio F
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:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260120T154905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T144641Z
UID:10000131-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Embedding HIV Care in Shelters: The NYU Langone Community Medicine Program
DESCRIPTION:In 2023\, 1\,686 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in New York City\, with Brooklyn reporting the highest rate and 19% concurrent AIDS diagnoses. To address these disparities\, the NYU Langone Family Health Centers’ Community Medicine Program (CMP)—a collaboration with the NYC shelter system—integrated medical services directly within shelters to improve outcomes among unstably housed individuals. After piloting a part-time patient navigator to support HIV-positive patients with linkage and retention in care\, the program demonstrated early success and secured a grant in December 2024 to expand into a status-neutral navigation model. \nThis model provides on-site\, point-of-care HIV testing\, same-day initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)\, and seamless linkage to infectious disease care\, behavioral health\, substance use treatment\, and housing services. Patient navigators offer individualized follow-up and education\, addressing social determinants of health and ensuring culturally competent\, trauma-informed care. \nSince launch\, CMP has linked numerous individuals living with HIV to stable housing\, insurance\, and pharmacy support\, while initiating high-risk HIV-negative individuals on PrEP. Early data indicate improvements in viral suppression and care retention among participants. \nBy embedding rapid HIV testing and treatment services within homeless service settings\, the CMP model demonstrates an effective\, scalable approach to bridging healthcare access gaps. Centralizing patient navigation within shelters builds trust and continuity\, fostering long-term engagement and adherence in populations often excluded from traditional healthcare systems.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/bridging-the-gap-between-medical-and-homeless-services-through-patient-navigation/
LOCATION:Studio F
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:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260120T154319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T181318Z
UID:10000129-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Building Bridges: A Community-Based Institution’s PrEP Program Success Story
DESCRIPTION:How can a community-based organization (CBO) establish a thriving PrEP program that addresses the unique needs of its population\, particularly in a resource-constrained environment? Us Helping Us\, based in Washington\, DC\, wrote its first PrEP prescription February 21st\, 2019\, and has since enrolled and offered PrEP to over 450 individuals\, particularly Black sexual and gender minority individuals and Black cisgender women\, in the greater Washington\, DC area. This session explores the experience of Us Helping Us while equipping participants with the tools and strategies to overcome barriers to HIV prevention by developing effective\, community-centered PrEP services. Facilitators will guide attendees through experiential learning and hands-on activities\, demonstrating how to establish partnerships\, develop tailored PrEP protocols\, and address common challenges such as client engagement\, stigma\, and resource constraints in a resource-limited setting. By the end of this interactive session\, participants will be prepared to transform their respective organizations into a “one-stop shop” that eliminates access barriers and contributes to the goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/building-bridges-a-community-based-institutions-prep-program-success-story/
LOCATION:Studio F
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:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260119T190405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T144512Z
UID:10000087-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Reaching the Unreachable: Strategic Street Outreach for HIV Prevention and Treatment
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will provide an in-depth overview of our agency’s innovative street outreach strategies for HIV prevention and treatment across Texas. We focus on connecting with populations often labeled as “hard to reach” through a combination of trauma-informed care and peer navigation\, designed to foster trust and engagement. Our approach prioritizes immediacy—once we identify individuals in need\, we work to link them to HIV care or initiate PrEP within 24 hours\, and often on the same day. We are leading the effort for prompt diagnosis and linkage to care in Texas when individuals in many areas have to wait days\, even weeks\, for a doctor’s appointment. \nCentral to our model are two key philosophies: “Red Carpet Treatment” and the “Kick-In Approach.” The Red Carpet Treatment ensures every client feels valued\, respected\, and cared for from the very first interaction. We recognize that many clients have experienced stigma\, neglect\, or trauma\, so patience and genuine compassion are foundational to building lasting relationships. The Kick-In Approach involves proactive\, personalized outreach\, meeting clients exactly where they are – physically and emotionally—to reduce barriers and encourage sustained engagement. Clients are not discharged; we wait. \nIn this session\, we share success stories\, practical tools\, sample forms\, and lessons learned from implementing these strategies in diverse Southern communities. Attendees will gain insight into how human connection\, strategic outreach\, and rapid care linkage can dramatically improve outcomes in HIV prevention and treatment. This presentation aims to inspire service providers to adopt more empathetic\, client-centered approaches to combat HIV.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/reaching-the-unreachable-strategic-street-outreach-for-hiv-prevention-and-treatment/
LOCATION:Studio F
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:20260319T104500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260319T121500
DTSTAMP:20260522T040003
CREATED:20260119T184843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T155154Z
UID:10000085-1773917100-1773922500@syncconference.org
SUMMARY:Have GOOD Sex: Promoting Sex Positivity\, Empowerment\, and Inclusivity with Community Engagement for Home-Based HIV Testing
DESCRIPTION:This session explores how sex-positive\, pleasure-centered approaches enhance HIV and STI prevention – especially for people living with HIV and communities greatly impacted by HIV. We discuss the benefits of this approach and highlight an innovative initiative based in community voices and engagement: San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH)’s Have Good Sex campaign\, which promotes sexual empowerment\, inclusivity\, and self-directed care through home-based testing. Centering the needs of communities disproportionately impacted by HIV\, this program affirms sexual health and well-being through messaging that centers pleasure and autonomy. This workshop shares practical strategies and lessons from this campaigns\, offering a model for sex-positive HIV prevention for communities of color and LGBTQ communities.
URL:https://syncconference.org/agenda/have-good-sex-promoting-sex-positivity-empowerment-and-inclusivity-with-community-engagement-for-home-based-hiv-testing/
LOCATION:Studio F
CATEGORIES:Power of Prevention,Track Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://syncconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TrackHero-HIVPrevention.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR