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SYNC 2019 SCHEDULE

Sunday,
April 14

Monday,
April 15

  • SYNC 2019 Registration 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
  • Breakfast Plenary 9:00-10:30 AM
  • Track Sessions 10:45 AM-12:15 PM
  • Lunch Plenary 12:30-2:00 PM
  • Track Sessions 2:15-3:45 PM
  • SYNC Sessions 4:00-5:30 PM
  • SYNCing Reception & Poster Hall 5:30-6:30 PM

Tuesday,
April 16

  • SYNC 2019 Registration 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
  • Breakfast Plenary 9:00-10:30 AM
  • Track Sessions 10:45 AM-12:15 PM
  • Lunch Plenary 12:30-2:00 PM
Download SYNC 2019 Schedule PDF

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Prevention Institute: Prevention’s Potential: Moving from Promise to Practice by SYNCing Communities with Strategies
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Despite steady uptake in the U.S., use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains lowest among communities most impacted by HIV. Wide-scale implementation of PrEP and other biomedical interventions for these populations at the state and local level is critical to reducing new infections and ending the epidemic in the United States. In light of this challenge, the Prevention Institute will engage participants in discussion around the structural, societal, and individual-level factors affecting implementation of and access to HIV prevention activities. Clients, providers, advocates, public health practitioners and policymakers at the Prevention Institute will synchronize innovative strategies to improve health outcomes in the populations most burdened by HIV. 

SYNC points:

      • Identify the barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among communities with the greatest burden of HIV.
      • Discuss community members’ awareness of, attitudes about, and trusted sources of PrEP information.
      • List the most common misconceptions about PrEP among community members.
      • Illustrate methods to improve understanding of PrEP among community members.
      • Describe the experience of health departments promoting the “undetectable equals untransmittable” (U=U) campaign to constituents.
      • Discuss the relationship between PrEP use, U=U messaging, and risk for sexually transmitted infections.
      • Summarize the experience of rural health centers promoting PrEP in the southern United States.

Black Women’s Health Institute
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

During this institute, we will discuss Black women’s experiences with racism, both historically and currently, as well as the invisible structural barriers that facilitate racism and stigma. This session will unveil how these experiences may play a role in Black women’s mental and sexual health, including how Black women access and engage with healthcare providers and their participation in clinical trials, and the uptake of biomedical advances available to reduce sexually transmitted infections including HIV. The Institute will address:   

      • From Slavery to Henrietta Lacks: Experiences of Racism
      • Affect of Racism on Black Women’s Health Outcomes
      • Strategies to Reduce Preventable Illness and Restore Optimal Health
      • Identifying Culturally Sensitive Counseling Services
      • Translating U=U for Black Women
 

SYNC points:

      • Describe experiences of racism that may affect Black women’s health outcomes
      • Examine health conditions that disproportionately affect Black women
      • Present strategies to reduce preventable illness that disproportionately affect Black women

Fiscal Health Institute: Syncing Fiscal Health with Systems Health
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Fiscal Health Institute at SYNC 2019 convenes program and fiscal managers of Ryan White programs and healthcare non-profits to build and practice fiscal management skills. Through a series of sessions, participants will explore strategies for maintaining program compliance, maximizing funding opportunities, and expanding service delivery. The training will highlight innovative strategies for sustaining services and responding to the evolving financial landscape of HIV care programs.

The sessions will discuss:

      • Opportunities for Ryan White Programs to Diversify Funding
      • Ryan White and 340B: Strategies for Managing Pharmacies, Revenue, and Compliance

Integrated Planning Institute: Enhancing Structure and Synchronicity for Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Planning
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

HIV planning has long been an integral part of ensuring comprehensive
HIV planning has long been an integral part of ensuring comprehensive delivery of HIV services in communities. Recently, health departments and community implementers have been faced with syncing HIV services and programs while still bound by fiscal requirements and legislative regulations. At the Integrated HIV Planning Institute, health departments, community planners and service implementers will have the opportunity to sync on a variety of topics to improve planning and implementation of integrated HIV prevention and care services.

In order to get to zero new infections, jurisdictions must implement and evaluate comprehensive, integrated HIV strategies to achieve health outcomes. Learn new approaches from federal funders and peers on assessing planning effectiveness, monitoring integration, and discuss approaches for making integration organic.
This institute will address:

      • Visualization of Monitoring Data and Plan Metrics for Community Use
      • Syncing Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plans with Ending the Epidemic
      • Use of Common Language and Definitions for Integrated HIV prevention and care planning bodies
      • Guiding Integrated HIV Planning 2.0

Opioids/HIV/HCV Institute: Ending the Epidemics: Addressing the Intersection of HCV and Opioid Use
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other infectious disease, and HCV infections have been rising at an alarming rate since 2010. The impact of the opioid epidemic on new HCV infections is significant and undeniable. Without increased implementation of harm reduction services (e.g. syringe services programs), comprehensive services for people with opioid addiction (e.g. Medication-Assisted Treatment), and expanded access to life-saving HCV treatment for people who inject drugs (PWID), the goal to eliminate HCV in the U.S. may not be accomplished.

The HCV & Opioid Institute will convene clinicians, harm reduction and prevention specialists, educators, and advocates to discuss the intersecting hepatitis C and opioid epidemics and offer thought-provoking perspectives on engaging people with substance use disorders in HCV testing, care, care and treatment. Learn evidence-based strategies for supporting patients who inject drugs in HCV treatment, approaches to integrate patient-centered HCV education into substance abuse programs, and interdisciplinary models for HCV care and treatment for PWID.

SYNC Points:

      • Review key national and state policy and advocacy efforts on the opioid epidemic, drug user health, and intersections with infectious disease.
      • Identify evidence-based strategies and harm reduction interventions to support patients who inject drugs and other active drug users in successful HCV cure therapy.
      • Discuss interdisciplinary models for HCV prevention, care and treatment for persons who inject drugs (PWID), including integrating patient-centered HCV education into substance abuse programs.

Transgender Institute: Strengthening Prevention and Care for Transgender Communities 
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Transgender individuals should have access to quality prevention, care, and treatment.  However, transgender people continue to encounter significant barriers health care:  discrimination/stigma, lack of culturally competent providers, unequal access to health coverage, etc. The Transgender Health Institute is designed to address the structural and social determinants of health impacting this community.  Promoting an urgency for health equity, the Institute will cover engagement, health care access, and advocacy. 

Topics to be addressed:

      • Exceptional Care and Management of the Transgender Adult and Child in a Primary Care Setting
      • Effective Implementation of PrEP Services for Transgender Individuals in a FQHC: Proactivity vs Reactivity
      • Achieving an HIV Neutral Clinic for Transgender Persons

Monday, April 15, 2019

Opening Plenary: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Opening Plenary: The State of HIV, HCV, STI and LGBT Health

The opening plenary is designed to level-set SYNC 2019 attendees on the current state of HIV, HCV, STI, and LGBT health by providing clinical, epidemiological, and structural updates for each of SYNChronicity’s four focus areas. 

Confirmed speakers include: 

      • Donna Sweet, MD, MACP, Kansas University School of Medicine, Wichita
      • Corinna Dan, RN, MPH, Viral Hepatitis Policy Advisor, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infections Disease Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
      • Gail Bolan, MD, Division of STD Prevention Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      • W. David Hardy, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University
      • Richard Elion, MD, Whitman-Walker Health

Track Session 1: 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Session 1: Community Testing and Initiation of ARV’s Following a Positive Test

This session will discuss local HIV testing programs that support immediate initiation of ARVs, and review a national partnership that facilitates non-traditional testing.
SYNC Points: 

    • Identify non traditional HIV testing programs 
    • Understand the rationale for immediate care initiation following an HIV diagnosis 
    • Discuss strategies to engage and support clients living with or at risk for HIV

Session 1: Ryan White and 340B: Strategies for Managing Pharmacies, Revenue, and Compliance

Through discounts on certain drug purchases, 340B Drug Pricing Programs can help Ryan White-funded agencies and other eligible organizations expand their service categories and provide services to more patients. With this opportunity come additional compliance concerns and fiscal management requirements. This session will discuss best practices for Ryan White-funded organizations managing pharmacy relations and program income related to 340B programs.

SYNC Points: 

      • Review 340B Drug Pricing Program key compliance requirements 
      • Discuss best practices in managing contract pharmacy relations and tracking income from multiple sources
      • Discuss methods for improving program compliance and maximizing income earned 

Session 1: Mentor, Lead, Succeed: Building Alliances Across Ages

Youth are the faces and doers of the future. As veteran leaders age, youth will take over, but are we ready? During this session, attendees will hear from youth and adults working together as mentors and mentees to create spaces and opportunities for youth-adult alliance building and the development of the next generation of leaders in the HIV ecosystem. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in breakout sessions to connect with their peers, consider best practices for mentoring young people or being mentored into leadership roles and develop organizational sustainability.

SYNC Points:

After participating in the session, attendees will:

      • Understand how creating youth-adult partnerships, specifically mentorships, support youth leadership development as a strategy for succession planning;
      • Understand how creating healthy youth-adult partnerships can break down barriers for marginalized youth living with HIV, especially young people of color;
      • Develop/share best practices about creating youth-adult partnerships and mentorships to support youth leaders;
      • Workshop challenges to/strategies for mentor relationship development, while considering various perspectives and needs related to mentoring youth into leadership roles.

Session 1: HCV Elimination: What Will It Take?

This session will review national-level, jurisdiction-level and micro-level strategies and approaches to hepatitis C elimination.

SYNC Points:

      • Review national-level policy and strategies to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV).
      • Utilize and interpret data to target and monitor HCV elimination efforts.
      • Discuss best practices for jurisdictions to plan and implement HCV elimination strategies.

Session 1: Tobacco Harm Reduction Efforts in the LGBT Community

This session examines tobacco use in the LGBT Community. Presenters will give examples of harm reduction strategies and counseling techniques focused on smoking cessation. This session is designed to sync conference attendees with behavioral health and harm reduction programs available to improve LGBT health outcomes.

SYNC Points:

      • Recognize the higher rate of tobacco use in the LGBT Community
      • Identify Tobacco Harm reduction interventions used in the LGBT Community
      • Select tobacco harm reduction interventions to use in your own community

Session 1: Interventions to Engage Young MSM of Color in the HIV Prevention and Care Continuum

This session is designed to address the social and structural barriers to prevention and care for MSM and transgender individuals.

SYNC Points:

      • Examine the CHEMSEX behavior risk among gay and bisexual men of color
      • Examine effective prevention models for YMSM of color
      • Examine partnerships between the ballroom community and local health departments

Session 1: HIV Criminalization and Activism

This session will discuss and provide strategies for addressing one of the most extreme manifestation of HIV stigma, which is criminalization. Criminalization reform efforts continue to grow around the world. These grassroots activism efforts are informed by expert strategy and the latest research.

SYNC Points:

      • Discuss the impact of HIV specific laws on people living with HIV.
      • Gain knowledge of three HIV criminalization modernization movements.
      • Role-Play activities to promote activism.

Session 1: African Americans and PrEP: Overcoming the Uptake Challenges

The first PrEP Track session explores PrEP experiences among two specific populations affected by HIV – African American men and women, and women of color. Participants will learn about awareness and acceptance of PrEP, specific challenges to uptake, and strategies to increase PrEP use in these populations.

SYNC Points:

      • Describe knowledge and acceptance of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among at-risk African Americans.
      • Highlight the challenges that providers and health systems encounter when prescribing PrEP to women of color. 

Session 1: Accepting and Becoming Yourself: A Journey to Well-Being

This session will focus on how social determinants of health affect women’s ability to practice self-care, seek and receive quality care, and navigate the process of ‘becoming’ across their lifetime.

SYNC Points:

      • Identify the social determinants that affect women in the context of HIV, HCV, STI, and LGBT health
      • Discuss how trauma-informed care can promote healing and empowerment
      • Describe the challenges women face on the journey to well-being across their lifetime

Session 1:STI Testing and Treatment in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP)

The session includes an overview of the current epidemiology regarding STIs among PLWH, an overview of current HRSA HAB initiatives to increase testing and treatment of STIs, an overview of the National STD and HIV Curricula and other HRSA HAB and CDC resources, and a presentation by Fenway Health, a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program recipient on a model of integrating STI services within an HIV clinic.

SYNC Points: Understanding the current state of STIs in PLWH, Knowledge of current HRSA and CDC initiatives focused on combating STI, Identify innovative clinical and systems level approaches to increased STI testing and treatment in PLWH

Speakers:

      • Shanna Dell, HRSA, Gail Bolan, Director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention
      • Kevin Ard, Fenway Health

Lunch Plenary: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

“End HIV Plan” by 2030 

During his State of the Union speech, President Trump announced his administration’s plan to end HIV transmission by 2030. This lunch plenary session will feature the principals who designed the plan discussing and detailing the plan’s approach, scope, strategies, and implementation.

Confirmed speakers include: 

      • Admiral Brett P. Giroir, MD, U.S. Public Health Service Assistant Secretary for Health and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Opioid Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
      • Eugene McCray, MD, Director of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      • Laura Cheever, MD, ScM, Associate Administrator, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration
      • Carl Schmid, Co-Chair, President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS

SYNC Points:

      • Describe the End HIV by 2030 plan
      • Analyze the End HIV plan components and strategies utilized to reach the goal
      • Discuss the real world implementation of the plan for providers, consumers and advocates 

Track Session 2: 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Session 2: Integrating CQI to Improve Health Outcomes for People Living with HIV Disparities

CQI programs aim to improve the quality of health for people by identifying what should be addressed and the strategies necessary to improve those areas. This session will focus on reducing clinical and behavioral health disparities in an effort to optimize HIV care and treatment.

SYNC Points:

      • Identify strategies to improve the quality of care services for people living with HIV.
      • Determine issues that require continuous quality improvement.
      • Explain the benefits of incorporating CQI in HIV programming.

Session 2: Innovative Investments of Program Income

Program income earned by the Ryan White program provides opportunities to invest in services that improve care and support for people living with HIV. This session will explore creative ways to invest income in allowable services that are responsive to community need and that enhance program sustainability. Presenters will highlight program income management strategies in the context of traditional grant models and fee-for-service payment models.
 
SYNC Points:

      • Define program income the context of Ryan White programs and review sources of program income
      • Discuss allowable uses of Ryan White program income and opportunities to use program income to expand services and reach more clients
      • Review case studies of innovative uses of program income, and the methods for budgeting income with grant funds
 

Session 2: Addressing the Needs of People Living with HIV Over 50

This session will provide attendees with multidimensional presentations around the experiences of PLWH over 50. In hearing from a variety of voices and perspectives, attendees will discuss different strategies that the NYC Health Department (DOHMH) used to identify the most pressing needs of older people living with HIV in New York City (NYC) in order to inform changes to the service system for OPLWH, identify psychosocial burdens for OPLWH, and better understand the intersections and convergences of the experiences of OPLWH and younger people living with HIV.

SYNC Points:

      • Examine trends in aging with HIV in NYC, including racial, gender, and socio-economic status-related differences in viral load suppression for OPLWH.
      • Understand the need for new innovations that mitigate the impact of social isolation and lessen depression and poor health outcomes.
      • Learn skills in how to foster a dialogue between younger and older people living with HIV that encourages them to share with each other.

Session 2: Strategies to Identify, Diagnose, and Treat Hepatitis C Among At-Risk Populations

This session will share clinical strategies for hepatitis C screening, and treatment among populations at highest risk, including HIV-positive MSM and baby boomers.
 
SYNC Points:
 
      • Summarize sexual transmission of hepatitis C (HCV) among mem who have sex with men (MSM), specifically HIV-infected MSM.
      • Discuss strategies for routine HCV screening in community-based and clinic-based settings.
      • Identify best practices in clinical settings to address barriers to HCV treatment.
 

Session 2: LGBTQ Health Equity

This session examines the inequalities between healthcare access in LGBT communities compared to non-LGBT communities. Presenters will show the importance of developing jurisdictional health assessment data tracking. Sessions are designed to sync healthcare providers to healthcare recipients.

SYNC Points:

      • Recognize the difference in the quality of health of LGBT Communities compared to the health of non-LGBT communities
      • Discuss safe spaces for LGBT communities to provide healthcare Identify barriers to care for LGBT communities

Session 2: Defining Masculinity in MSM Communities of Color

This session explores the complexities of masculinity and stigma among gay and bisexual men of color.

SYNC Points:

      • Examine “healthy black masculinity” from the perspective of male-identified persons of color.
      • Examine the intersectionality of race and interpersonal violence.
      • Examine the concept of “two spirit” men living in urban settings
      • Examine the difference between gay and bisexual men living in urban and non-urban settings

Session 2: Putting Talk into Action to Foster Civic Engagement

This session will define and detail the creation of a civic health initiative that promotes advocacy and outreach. The session will also focus on the identification of inequities and how to create a plan of action to address inequities.

SYNC Points:

      • Engage participants to be self advocates.
      • Discuss how to develop your own civic health initiative.
      • Gain an understanding of the importance every employee within an organization.

Session 2: Using Data to Implement PrEP

In the second PrEP Track session, participants will discuss how epidemiological and client-level data can be leveraged to increase PrEP uptake, by using strategies from Data to Care processes. Additionally, participants will be able to describe an instance of PrEP implementation in an urban setting.

SYNC Points:

      • Discuss the implications of Data to Care activities to PrEP clinical care.
      • Explain the key findings of an observational study of PrEP in an urban community setting.

Session 2: Remove The Bandages: IPV among Women Living with HIV

This workshop focuses on the stories of three women living with HIV and their experience and perseverance in overcoming intimate partner and domestic violence. The trauma of violence impacts women living with HIV in their health and safe disclosure of serostatus. Additionally, criminalization keeps women in domestic violence situations. Removing the bandages means understanding the power of personal testimony for healing, and taking brave steps forward to find support and resources.

SYNC Points:

      • Witness and learn from testimonials of survival from the perspective of three women living with HIV and current policy fellows from Positive Women’s Network-USA
      • Understand the statistics and research of the impact of intimate partner and domestic violence on women living with HIV Consider strategies and resources for empowering women with HIV and support structures to overcome trauma

Session 2: Strategic, Data-Informed HIV Technical Assistance for Federally Qualified Health Centers -The Southeast Practice Transformation Expansion Project

This presentation reviews the collaborations among Southeast Regional AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETCs)  through funds from Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) and Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) advanced Practice Transformation at 16 health centers to promote primary care integration of HIV testing, linkage to care, and prevention at HRSA-funded health centers in the southeastern United States. The presentation will describe key lessons learned from the AETC PT project, P4C, and the collaboration between BPHC and HAB through the Southeast AETC. 

SYNC Points: 

      • Provide strategic, data informed HIV technical assistance to leverage innovative practices to implement Practice Transformation (PT) to improve outcomes and address emerging priorities.

Speakers:

      • Anna Poker RN, MS
      • Nadra Tyus, DrPH, MPH
      • Jennifer Burdge, Med

SYNC Sessions: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

With an overwhelming number of outstanding abstract submissions, we are offering special SYNC sessions on critical, crosscutting topics that are relevant to HIV, HCV, STI, and LGBT health. Topics include telemedicine, climate change, social determinants of health, and sexual health as well as education related to commercial sex workers and incarcerated populations. You will certainly find a SYNC session to pique your interest. SYNC sessions will be held Monday, April 15, 2019 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM as follows: 

Disaster/Climate Change

Within the last few years, natural disasters such as hurricanes and fires have further threatened the access and quality of health services for populations that were already disenfranchised. This session will spark conversations on identifying gaps and support, in order to strengthen future relief efforts.

SYNC Points:

      • Gain an understanding of the impact of natural disasters on health care access and interruption
      • Describe the experiences of people living with HIV in the aftermath of a natural disaster
      • Explain how natural disasters/climate change can affect health equity

Telemedicine

Clients that have challenges accessing in-person health services are increasingly able to receive remote health services. This session will focus on the technological advances that allow multidisciplinary provider groups to collaborate, screen, and engage clients.

SYNC Points:

      • Describe how development of a telemedicine program in for rural populations can expand healthcare access to people living with HIV, HCV, and other infectious diseases
      • Understand the role of technology in delivering culturally competent care in areas with provider shortages
      • Demonstrate how home testing methods in HIV, STI and other communicable diseases can impact PrEP and HIV related care

Corrections

A significant number of incarcerated persons within the US prison system are living with HIV. This session will discuss educational and external linkage programs to reduce HIV transmission and recidivism.

SYNC Points:

      • Discuss the state of HIV and HCV in correction and post-correctional populations
      • Understand how to reduce HIV and HCV transmission in correctional settings
      • Increase awareness of HIV and HCV in correctional settings by learning about prevention and care interventions that work
 

Trauma

This session will present two innovative trauma informed models: one is designed to build staff competence and inform management processes, and the other is a client-centered, transitional housing model for YMSM living with HIV.

SYNC Points:

      • Understand how Trauma Informed Care can impact individual healthcare
      • Compare how trauma informed care models for social services such as housing and substance use treatment can aid in health care equity
      • Discuss how trauma informed care champions can transform healthcare settings


CQI – Continuous Quality Improvement

The use of technology has significantly increased our ability to provide continuous quality improvement. This session will highlight effective strategies for the development, analysis and implementation of data driven technical assistance, resources, and programs.

SYNC Points:

      • Understand how evaluation and data can improve and enhance medical services for PLWH
      • Develop tools to ensure service provision for priority populations
      • Describe lessons learned from service collaborations
 

Sexual Health

This session will focus on the importance of overall sexual health for minority communities, including Black women, American Indian persons and Transgender individuals. The session will highlight the collaboration of STI and HIV prevention programs in optimizing sexual health.

SYNC Points:

      • Recognize the unique needs of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals
      • Understand disparities in STI data among populations Leverage partnerships to end HIV and STI epidemics
 

Faith

Faith and spirituality are varying factors in our daily lives, for some these factors guide the decision-making processes. This session will discuss the affect of faith and spirituality among minority communities, and the role of churches.
 

SYNC Points:

      • Discuss the role of the Church in HIV care
      • Examine how Scriptures can affirm LGBT people
      • Understand the role of faith and spirituality in health care

Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are conditions in the places, where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a range of health risks and outcomes. This session will highlight programs that address these conditions.

SYNC Points:

      • Understand the impact of unstable housing and incarceration on obtaining viral suppression
      • Determine how social determinants of health impact overall healthcare access and equity
      • Describe the role of social services on improving health outcomes
      • Includes HRSA Track session abstract: 
        Impact of Unstable Housing and Health Outcomes for Ryan White HIV AIDS Program Clients
        Wendy Cousino, Amy Griffin, Latham Avery


Social Media

The use of digital technology and other social media is viewed as an effective strategy to engage young adults around HIV prevention including PrEP usage. This session will highlight programs that use text alert and other technology for HIV prevention.

SYNC Points:

      • Describe the role of social media in HIV prevention
      • Understand how graphic novels and other non-traditional print campaigns can educate individuals about HIV and STIs
      • Understand how automated text messages can impact medical adherence to improve health

Biomedical/Molecular Surveillance

This session will focus on identifying potential transmission clusters amongst individuals in DC to help infer otherwise unknown transmission modes and provide insight for more targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

SYNC Points:

      • Understand the role molecular surveillance in HIV
      • Characterize how HIV dynamics can be understood through genetic sequencing
      • Describe the challenges in implementing molecular surveillance

Sex Workers

This session will explore the most significant barriers to addressing the health and safety needs of sex workers, and propose the development of dynamic partnerships between government and community organizations.
 
SYNC Points:

      • Assess the Health and Safety needs of sex workers
      • Describe the parameters in which government and communities partner to improve the health outcomes of sex workers
      • Discuss the reasons that individuals engage in sex work and how to mitigate their risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and STIs

Safety for LGBT Communities

      • Adapting and Tailoring Seeking Safety for LGBT Communities: What Works?
        Presented by Queen Victoria Ortega

SYNCing Reception & Poster Hall: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Breakfast Plenary: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Breakfast Plenary: Driving HIV, HCV, STI, and LGBT Health Outcomes Through Innovation

This plenary will present innovative and impactful initiatives and efforts to eliminate HIV, HCV, STIs and improve LGBT health. The 90/90/90 Fast Track Cities Initiative and U=U will be featured, along with other advances and activities. The session also will feature cities and jurisdictions successfully implementing Fast Track and U=U programming.

Speakers include: 

  • Jose Zuniga, International Association of Providers of AIDS Care
  • Bruce Richman, Founder and Executive Director, Prevention Access Campaign and Undetectable = Untransmittable
  • Jason Sterne, Chief Operating Officer, Hepatitis Education Project
  • Dafina Ward, Senior Manager, Grant Operations & Strategy, Southern AIDS Coalition
  • Michael Kharfen, Senior Deputy Director, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration, D.C. Department of Health.

Track Session 3: 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Session 3: Breaking Down the Barriers to PrEP

The Patient Journey from Misconceptions to Effective HIV Prevention — talk reviews strategies to assess HIV risk behaviors in patients and identify appropriate candidates for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as well as communication techniques to motivate and increase adherence to HIV prevention strategies.
 
CME credits for this session are provided by PeerView. Instructions on  obtaining your credits will be provided during your session.

Session 3: Preparing for a HRSA HAB Site Visit

Thoughtfully demonstrating the value and successes of your Ryan White program is a key part of preparing for a site visit. This session will walk through the Ryan White site visit process, from preparation to the onsite meeting, highlighting the importance of establishing staff roles and responsibilities.
 

SYNC Points:

      • Outline the process of preparing for a HRSA HAB site visit, including document review, the onsite meeting, and corrective action planning
      • Discuss best practices in establishing staff roles and responsibilities to streamline site visit preparing and onsite facilitation
      • Review tools and resources available to recipients and sub recipients to improve internal communication and program compliance

Session 3: Creating Opportunities for African American Women over 50 to engage in Sexual Health Discussions

This session will explore various methods that serve to create opportunities for African-American Women over 50 to engage in discussions about sexual health, and discuss stigmas that create barriers to these conversations.

SYNC Points:

      • Understand how faith, personal values and attitudes can impact on the ability of women to communicate on sexual health matters.
      • Explore the skills needed to empower women to address sexual health matters.
      • Address stigma and how social norms affect women’s ability to communicate about sexual health.
 

Session 3: HCV and People Who Inject Drugs

This session will review key strategies to address hepatitis C (HCV) prevention, care and treatment among people who inject drugs.

SYNC Points:

      • Explain how harm reduction models can be used to address HCV prevention and care among people who inject drugs (PWID).
      • Describe how wrap-around support services can help with HCV treatment retention.
      • Summarize methodology for the development of a client-centered treatment plan that is adaptable, flexible, and tailored to client’s specific needs.
 

Session 3: Health Equity, Emotional Health, Sexual Health Among LGBT Populations

This session discusses the intersection of sexual health, emotional health, and healthcare access in LGBT communities. Presenters will examine LGBT health from a holistic perspective, recognizing that LGBT individuals have barriers to accessing healthcare. This session is designed to sync different aspects of LGBT health.
SYNC Points:
 
      • Describe ways to overcome barriers to accessing care in LGBT communities
      • List common misconceptions about older adult sexual health
      • Define emotionally focused therapy.

Session 3: Medical Care and Services to Address HIV, HCV, STI and Sexual Health

This session explores effective intervention to increase linkage to care among Black and Latino gay and bisexual men.


SYNC Points:

      • Examine how medical and community partners work together to develop linkage services for HIV positive MSM of color
      • Examine the importance of partnering with emergency departments (ERs) to identify new positives
      • Examine prevention services and strategies that impact morbidity and mortality of MSM of color
      • Examine the connection between social determinants of sexual health-related behaviors for MSM of color
 

Session 3: Advocacy on Federal and Regional Levels

This session will cover experiences working in the current political environment to develop advocacy skills to advocate for vulnerable programs at risk for decreased or funding elimination. This session will also discuss organizational accountability in HIV funding and organizational development, lessons learned and collaborative models.
 
SYNC Points:
 
      • Highlight effective advocacy efforts with the current Administration and Congress.
      • Enhance knowledge to inform why community advocates are essential to the success of integrated HIV and mental health funding.
      • Develop next steps for participants to increase advocacy for HIV, HCV, and STI resources.
 

Session 3: Implications of PrEP in the Real World

In the third PrEP Track session, participants will strategize methods to improve the delivery of PrEP through healthcare organizations to meet the needs of clients. Additionally, participants will reflect on community members’ approaches to U=U and PrEP, and discuss implications for U=U, PrEP, and treatment as prevention.
 
SYNC Points:
 
      • Interpret epidemiological data regarding where PrEP uptake is still needed
      • Identify strategies to increase PrEP uptake in communities with the highest burden of HIV
      • Discuss implications for the messaging and science of U=U to conversations about PrEP, and people living with HIV who are undetectable

Session 3: To Be Announced

Lunch Plenary: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Lunch Plenary: SYNCing Policy & Perspectives: HIV, HCV, STI, and LGBT Advocacy

This plenary session provides an overview of the latest health care policy developments, including the Affordable Care Act, 340b activities, treatment access, and the potential of Medicare for All. The plenary also features policy leads from HIV, HCV, STI, and LGBT organizations providing updates on HIV, HCV, STI and LGBT policy developments and addressing strategies for achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, the Viral Hepatitis Action Plan, elimination of STIs, and improved health access and equity among LGBT persons and other underserved communities. Following that, there will be a moderated panel discussion with leading community advocates from all four focus areas, providing the consumer and patient perspective on these policies and syncing these issues with advocacy. 

Policy Speakers

      • Chris Sloan, Associate Principal, Avalere 
      • Andrea Weddle, Executive Director, HIV Medicine Association
      • Frank Hood, Senior Policy Associate, AIDS Institute
      • David Harvey, Executive Director, National Coalition for STD Directors
      • Candace Bond-Theriault, Senior Policy Counsel for Reproductive Rights, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund

Community Panelists

      • Dazon Dixon Diallo, Founder and President, SisterLove (Co-Moderator)
      • Marsha Martin, DSW, Global Network of Black People Working in HIV (Co-Moderator)
      • Ivy Turnbull, Deputy Executive Director, AIDS Alliance for Women, Infants, Children, Youth and Families
      • Andrew Reynolds, HCV Advocate
      • Daniel Driffin, Co-Founder, THRIVE SS, Inc.
      • Earl Fowlkes, President/CEO, Center for Black Equity
      • Cecilia Chung, Co-Director of Policy and Strategic Projects, Transgender Law Center

Posters

HRSA/HAB Track Poster:
Housing Disparities and HIV Outcomes  
Presented by Avery Latham, Chau Nguyen, Rishelle Anthony, Harold Phillips

She Speaks: Intersection of HIV-STD/IPV 
Presented by Karen Washington   

Increasing Access to PrEP and Hepatitis C treatment in a Health Department Settings 
Presented by Brittany Sanders 

Hepatitis C in Chicago: Using A Community-Based Model to Link Post-Incarcerated Persons to Care
Presented by Ariq Cabbler 

Achieving Higher HCV Seropositivity in High-Risk Communities
Presented by Tatiana Hayes

The Challenges in Providing PrEP in a Primary Care Multi-site FQHC
Presented by Douglas Janssen

Pleasure as Prevention: Kink and BDSM as HIV Prevention 
Candace Moore

Bridging the Gap in Sexual Health: The Implementation of Laboratory Based STD Testing in a Community Based Organization through the Bridges 757 Collaborative
Presented by Felencia McGee 

Challenges Accessing PrEP for HIV Prevention in England
Presented by Kimberly Levitt

A 28 Year History of HIV-1 Drug Resistance and Transmission in Washington, DC
Presented by Margaret Steiner

Patient-Centered Care: Improving Assessment and Management of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Patients at an Urban FQHC
Presented by Megan Honor Caine 

A FOCUS on Virginia: Implementing A Statewide FOCUS Program Utilizing Regional Partnerships
Brenna Pevato 

Divorceafter50.Com: An HIV/STD Prevention Randomized Controlled Trial for Divorced or Separated Older Women
Presented by Patricia Weitzman

Using Data to Improve HIV Testing & Identify Health Disparities on Long Island
Presented by Jessica Clark 

Opt ut Screening for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) at Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers
Presented by Adelero Adebajo

Depression, Substance Use, and Viral Suppression Among Youth with HIV
Authored by Allison Agwu; Presented by Jerrica Li

Implementation and Evaluation of a Locator Protocol to Prevent Participant Loss to Follow-Up in an Urban Hospital-to-Community Transitional Care Program
Presented by Katherine Scott 

Facing the Factors: How Face-to-Face First Encounters Promote Successful Hepatitis C Linkage to Care in an Inpatient Setting
Presented by Minh Tran

System Dynamics of a Large Emergency Department: Reviewing Missed Testing Opportunities in the Routine HIV Testing Program
Presented by Neha Patil 

Housing Experiences among the LGBT Population after the Impact of Hurricane María in Puerto Rico
Luis A. Arroyo-Andujar  

Hepatitis C Infection Among People Receiving HIV Medical Care in Mississippi, 2013-2014
Lee Riley 

Tackling the Healthcare Cost Conversation: Identifying Unmet Needs, Experience and Affordability Surrounding HIV Care
Kathleen Gallagher 

Rapid Linkage to Care Leads to Faster Undetectable Viral Loads in HIV+ Youth
Presented by Clint Steib

Addressing Social Determinants of Health for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Living with HIV in New York State to Ensure Viral Suppression
Presented by Rick Cook  

My Life Through My Lens: Using a Digital photography Platform to Impact Social Change among Homeless Communities and People Living with HIV/ AIDS
Presented by Louis Carr

Restructuring Targeted Testing Based on Predictive Models and Large Scale HIV Screening
Presented by Joseph Olsen 

Low Uptake of PrEP in Repeat nPEP Users
Presented by Grant Roth 

Advanced Liver Disease in the Setting of Hepatitis C: A New Interdisciplinary and Inter-Service Initiative
Presented by Emily Comstock 

The Significance of The SOGI (‘Sexual Orientation  and Gender Identity”: Screening Questionnaire Form and the Benefits of Its Implementation Presented by Christine Gomez

Syphilis and Gonorrhea Screening among US-bound Immigrants and Refugees, 2018 
Presented by Priti Shah  

Beyond the Birth Cohort
Presented by Andrea Oliver 

Adapting and Tailoring Seeking Safety for LGBT Communities: What Works?
Presented by Queen Victoria Ortega

A Multidisciplinary Community Approach to HCV Testing and Linkage to Care
Presented by Candace Givens 

HCV Linkage to Care: Lessons Learned in Alabama
Presented by Anthony Lee 

Jeopardy: A HCV Trivia Game for HIV and STD Health Educators and Counselors
Presented by Andrew Reynolds 

The Circle Model Cascade
Presented by Ronni Marks

Opioid Crisis in Georgia: A Community Response
Presented by  Zina Age 

Incentivizing Healthcare for Transgender and Non-Binary Patients
Presented by Mikayla Avery 

Two-Year Evaluation of an Online Outreach Strategy to Engage in Brooklyn, New York
Presented by Anton Castellanons Usigli 

HIV/AIDS in Vulnerable Populations: The Conscientious Clinician
Shirley Torho  

Addressing Viral Suppression among Minority Populations
Presented by Jeremy Hyvarien

Sexual Health Education and its Impact on Sexual Minority Women
Ty Miranda

A Day with HIV: How Positively Aware Magazine Combined Story-Telling and a Photo Contest into an All-Inclusive Social Medial Anti-Stigma Campaign
Presented by Rick Guasco 

Garden in a Glove: Exploring Adherence through Horticulture
Presented by Daniel Downer  

Quantifying Health Equity work for Gay, Bisexual and other MSM…Survey Response
Presented by Andrew Zapfel  

Targeting MSM, Minority Underserved Communities through Testing and Providing Effective Linkage to Care
Presented by Giselle Gallo 

Mista Clean (Bathhouse Outreach)
Presented by Darne Guest

Deep in the Heart of Texas: Three Innovative Models of Transgender Healthcare, PrEP, and Sexual Healthcare Delivery in Texas
Presented by Candace Moore 

PEP – Pushed Under the Rug? Some Protocols to Follow
Presented by Mario Forte

Reaching Beyond the Clinic Linkage and Rapid Start at the Hospital Bedside
Presented by Alftan Dyson 

How We Win Viral Suppression in Chronic and Acute HIV Infections among People of Color
Debris Johnson 

Removing Barriers and Finding Solutions for Non-Adherent HIV Positive Patients: Integrating Care Management to Achieve Viral Load Suppression Shannon Stephenson  

The Strongest Link: Does Point of Entry into Care affect Linkage to Care Outcomes?
Presented by Tranekia Turner-Wentt

Implementation of Rapid HIV Treatment in Ambulatory Care Settings – Real Work Experience: Providers in NY State
Matthew Crehan-Higgans

A Summative Evaluation of the Open Arms Health Care Center’s Integrated HIV Care Services Model
Presented by Sandra Melvin  

Providing Consumer-Based Solutions to Ending the Epidemic and Reducing HIV Disparities: Experience to End the Epidemic
Presented by Jennifer Lee 

Implementing System Wide Policy Changes to Address Comprehensive Patient Care in an Evolving Health Care Environment
Presented by Cordella Lyon 

More Than Tested, Cured 
Presented by Mogjan Zare 

She Speaks: Intersection of HIV-STD/IPV 
Presented by Karen Washington

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