U=U: A New Approach to Ending the Epidemic (Webinar)

Description:

For years, public health officials sent the message that people with HIV who had an undetectable viral load could still transmit the virus.  With the groundbreaking results of the PARTNER study in 2016, that position has been reversed, and the new message is Undetectable = Untransmittable.

Some non-medical service providers may find it difficult to change the message they have been delivering to clients for years, so this webinar will arm them with the data they need to let clients know that there is overwhelming evidence that people who are virally suppressed cannot transmit HIV sexually.  This webinar covered how counseling clients about U=U can affect their sexual practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall early data suggesting that U=U, such as ACTG 076, the Rakai Project, and the Swiss Statement.
• Describe how HTPN 052 and its later update affected the HIV community.
• Describe the PARTNER study, its conclusions, and how it altered the HIV transmission message given in the 1990s and early 2000s.
• Recall the Prevention Access Campaign, U=U Consensus Statement, and statements from the CDC, NIH, BHIVA, etc.
• Describe the need for PARTNER2, its focus on same-sex behavior, and its confirmation of earlier studies.
• Recall how U=U fits into local HIV planning and programs, including plans to End the Epidemic.
• Discuss how to educate HIV-positive and negative clients about U=U and its place in HIV prevention.

Same-Day HIV PrEP (Webinar)

Description:

HIV PrEP is underutilized in the United States and strategies to increase PrEP uptake are needed. Same-day PrEP, or PrEP prescribed the day of the initial PrEP visit, is a promising model to engage individuals at risk of HIV into PrEP care. This webinar discussed reasons why to consider same-day PrEP and described a same-day PrEP study conducted at a STD clinic in Denver, CO. Common concerns and considerations specific to same-day PrEP implementation were addressed.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss reasons to consider same-day HIV PrEP models
• Describe a same-day PrEP study at a STD clinic in Denver, CO
• List key components of same-day PrEP models
• Address common areas of concerns with same-day PrEP

HIV Medication Adherence: Tips, Tools, and Techniques (webinar)

Description:
This webinar provided a high-level overview of the history of HIV and HIV meds.  There are many reasons why people with HIV may have challenges with adhering to their medications. This webinar covered some of those challenges and discussed methods for creating client-centered adherence plans through shared decision making.

Learning Objectives were:

• Understand history of HIV meds
• Discuss ART Basics
• Describe Factors Associated with Poor ART Adherence
• Create a client-centered adherence plan

Linkage to Syringe Exchange Programs in Washington, DC (webinar)

Description:

The District of Columbia Department of Health HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA) approved and directed Needle Exchange Programs. This action was intended to reduce the numbers of people who inject drugs (PWID) who are infected with HIV in the District of Columbia and to increase the number of District PWID who know their HIV and Hepatitis C status, in addition to increasing access to care and treatment. This webinar discussed the three District of Columbia funded programs and how clients can access those programs.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the impact of Needle Exchange Programs in the District of Columbia
• Define is Harm Reduction
• List 3 different approaches to Syringe Services in the District of Columbia
• Describe the effective continuum of care for Needle Exchange participants
• Recognize how to contact District Programs

Building Sustainability Through Effective Partnerships (webinar)

Description: 

This webinar highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration among partners in the field. Community based organizations (CBOs) learned the “Do’s and Don’ts” of effective partnerships. Further, CBOs began to identify how they add value to another organization to determine readiness for partnership. Examples of sustainable partnerships allowed participants to see how strategic alliances provide sustainability over time. Finally, organizations were encouraged to seek diverse funding opportunities so that they can leverage resources with potential partners.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the importance of building sustainable partnerships
• Identify the key principles in building partnerships
• Identify the characteristics of a CBO that is ready for partnership
• Describe effective partnerships
• Identify external funding resources for financial sustainability