Co-sponsored by the Berkshire AHEC.

Many factors are combining to move the HIV epidemic into locations where populations are dispersed, and health care resources are limited. Rural–urban differences along the continuum of care are unmistakable as people with HIV in rural areas face additional challenges to accessing healthcare. There may be stigma, a lack of HIV-specific providers, mental health challenges resulting from feelings of social isolation, and language/cultural hurdles. One of the goals of rural providers must be to ensure that people with HIV are able to access healthcare where they live. This program will address these factors to improve HIV prevention and treatment in rural areas across the continuum of care.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify who is affected by and most vulnerable to the HIV epidemic
2. Identify the behaviors, social conditions, and inequities that put persons at risk for contracting HIV
3. Discuss the role of social determinants of health for HIV prevention and care
4. Discuss the importance of safe spaces, inclusive language, person-centered language, and cultural humility to reduce stigma (especially for immigrant populations)
5. Demonstrate self-efficacy in navigating the healthcare system (multidisciplinary team coordination/linkage to care)
6. List strategies to improve HIV care equity

 

Speaker:

Carlos E. Rodríguez-Díaz, PhD, MPHE, MCHES
Chair and Professor
Boston University School of Public Health
Community Health Sciences

 

Agenda

8:00 am – 9:00 am         Check-In/Breakfast Buffet

9:00 am – 9:50 am         Sociobehavioral Factors Affecting the HIV Epidemic

9:50 am – 10:00 am       Question and Answer

10:00 am – 10:15 am      Break

10:15 am – 11:05 am       Opportunities to Improve Clinical Encounters to Address HIV Prevention and Care

11:05 am – 11:15 am       Question and Answer

 

Continuing Education:

MA Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
This course has been approved by the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services/LADC Unit for 2 contact hours for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors and Assistants.

MA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Application for MA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact Berkshire AHEC at 413-842-5160 for the status of MA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist CE accreditation.

MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Application for MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact Berkshire AHEC at 413-842-5160 for the status of MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor CE accreditation.

MA Nursing
Program meets the requirements for nursing contact hours as specified by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing 244 CMR 5.04

Social Worker
Application for Social Worker continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact Berkshire AHEC at 413- 842-5160 for the status of Social Worker CE accreditation.

 

 

 

Intended Audience

Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Nurses, Substance Abuse Counselors, Front-Line Staff, and Community Members

Contact

Person: Carrol Patin
Email: cpatin@berkshireahec.org