COMPASS At USCHA 2024!

Navigate USCHA with COMPASS: Your COMPASS Guide to USCHA 2024

Welcome to the Gilead COMPASS Initiative® at USCHA 2024 agenda hub! As we gather in New Orleans for this year’s US Conference on HIV/AIDS, we’re excited to share a detailed schedule of our involvement throughout the event. The COMPASS team, alongside our partners and stakeholders, has been working tirelessly to curate impactful pre- conferences, workshops, Institute sessions, and other key events that align with the theme of #SouthernJoy.

For more information about the conference, visit the USCHA website: https://uscha.life/ 

COMPASS USCHA AGENDA

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 (USCHA preconference)

BLK in the South: A Southern HIV Summit
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Xavier University of Louisiana

BLK in the South Summit is an official pre-conference at the 2024 United States Conference on HIV and AIDS, aims to bring together local community members, HIV activists, and movement leaders to discuss the impact of HIV on the Black community in the Southern United States. It is a one-day convening designed to address pressing issues and provide ideas, concepts, and frameworks for working together to end the AIDS epidemic in the Black community in the South.

Registration Required: https://www.blkinthesouth.org

Moving Faith Forward in the South to End the Epidemic
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hyatt Regency New Orleans

People of faith, faith leaders, and people working in the HIV and AIDS response are invited to attend a hybrid Faith Pre-Conference to the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) to discuss and develop strategies to access and strengthen the capacity of houses of worship and faith-based organizations who are engaged or wish to engage in efforts to end the HIV epidemic.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion, participate in the development of strategies, and network with colleagues working in and with faith communities.

Registration Required: https://USCHAfaithpreconference2024.eventbrite.com

Featuring Faith COMPASS Center

AIDS United’s USCHA Reception
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
1421 Napolean Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70115

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, AIDS United’s staff and board of trustees invite partners, grantees, and members to our reception during USCHA 2024 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Family Home of AIDS United Vice President Carl Baloney, Jr., 1421 Napolean Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70115. Beverages and heavy appetizers will be served. Program information will follow. We look forward to fellowship and southern hospitality with you!

Registration Required: https://aidsunited.org/reception/

Hosted by AIDS United

AFTERGLOW: A Celebration of Blackness
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Treme Market Branch in New Orleans

Experience the vibrant celebration at AFTERGLOW: A Celebration of Blackness on September 11, 2024, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Treme Market Branch in New Orleans. This event honors the rich Arts and Culture of New Orleans while spotlighting the impactful work of Southern Movement Leaders and HIV Activists. Together, they are shifting the culture towards a more just, humane, and equitable world. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of inspiration and community!

Open to Public – Registration Required: https://www.blkinthesouth.org/afterglow

Presented by GLAAD

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Bridging the Divide: Demystifying Stigma in Faith-Based Responses to HIV/AIDS
Institute Session 1: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Foster 1, Level 2
USCHA Institute
Presented by Faith COMPASS Center

Confronting Racism, Smashing Stigma, & Prioritizing BHCGWLWH (Black Heterosexual Cis-Gender Women Living With HIV) in Southern USA
Session 1: 1:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Location: Imperial 9, Level 4
USCHA Workshop
Featuring Rev. Dr. Mia Sloan, Faith COMPASS Center

Tailoring a Peer Mentor Approach for Women in the South
Session 1: 1:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Location: Bolden 2, Level 2
USCHA Workshop

Among Black women, 77% of HIV diagnoses in the U.S. occurred during reproductive age. Over half of diagnoses were in the US South, disproportionately affecting Black women and their families due to structural conditions (stigma, racism and limited healthcare access). Through its innovative peer mentor intervention, mothers2mothers has improved HIV prevention and care continuum outcomes (HIV testing, linkage to care, retention in care, viral suppression) and related health and wellbeing of women and families in the 10 sub-Saharan African countries where it operates. Black women are a priority population, and Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana are focal states for EHE. Helping Southern Black women, regardless of status, into comprehensive HIV and reproductive health prevention and care before, during and beyond pregnancy is crucial to this goal. Implementing a peer mentor program with Black women in focal states may help. This workshop describes research findings and fosters interactive discussion around such programs.

Presented by Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Emory Centers for Public Health Training & TA, Mothers2Mothers, Lady BurgAndy, HER Voice, and Five Horizons Health Services

Centering Voices of Color: A Southern Storytelling
Session 2: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Bolden 5, Level 2
USCHA Workshop
Presented by Southern AIDS Coalition

X Marks the Spot: Mapping the End of the HIV Epidemic
Session 2: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Imperial 5A, Level 4
USCHA Workshop

This workshop will use geospatial mapping to help participants understand the landscape of HIV, with special emphasis on the southern HIV epidemic. We will look at the utility of geospatial mapping to understand the prevalence and risk of HIV diagnoses and the intersection of access to resources and transportation for vital HIV prevention and care services. The workshop will also explore recommendations and tools for integration into programs, research, interventions, and advocacy.

Presented by Emory COMPASS Coordinating Center

Friday, September 13, 2024

Southern Vibes
Institute Session 2: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Imperial 5D, Level 4
USCHA Institute

Get the full experience of Southern Joy with the SAC Team! Play games with us, raise your voice, hear stories, and enjoy refreshments with love from the South.

Presented by Southern AIDS Coalition

U=U University, U=U: Our Good News Strategy to End the HIV Epidemic
Institute Session 2: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Bolden 1, Level 2

Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) is a revolution in living and loving with HIV, and a powerful strategy to end the HIV epidemic. Despite the proven, data-driven impact of U=U education in transforming lives and accelerating each of the four strategic pillars of the US Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, significant gaps in awareness, understanding, and implementation persist across the country. With over 500,000 people living with HIV not sustaining U=U in the US, there is an urgent need to expand awareness and utilization of U=U in clinical settings, health communications, and advocacy efforts to fully realize its game-changing benefits.

Featuring Zundra Bateaste-Sutton, Teen Cry Out

HIV 2025 and Beyond: Implications of the 2024 State and Federal Elections for Ending the HIV Epidemic
Session 3: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Strand 10, Level 2
USCHA Workshop
Featuring Will Ramirez, Southern AIDS Coalition

HIV at the Crossroads of Faith and Racism
Session 3: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bolden 1, Level 2
USCHA Workshop

HIV Facing the Crossroads of Faith and Racism presentation focuses on race relations and how they impact faith, prejudices, stigma, discrimination, prevention and treatment efforts, and criminalization of HIV in Mississippi.

Presented by Jackson Medical Mall Foundation

Community-driven Approaches to Improve Relationships Amongst Organizations Across Southern Cities
Session 4: 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Location: Imperial 11, Level 4
USCHA Workshop
Presented by David Wyley Long and Darnell Barrington, NACCHO

Empowering Change: Combating HIV Stigma Through Digital Communications
Session 4: 4:15 – 6:15 PM
Location: Foster 1, Level 2
USCHA Workshop

This workshop delves into the persistent stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and its detrimental effects on individuals and communities. We explore the role of digital platforms, particularly social media, in combating stigma and promoting education and awareness. Through Hype to Empower’s Emulate program, we present evidence-based strategies to confront and mitigate stigma effectively. Our objectives include debunking myths, mobilizing digital platforms for advocacy, and inspiring community action. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of HIV stigma’s impact and the tools needed to drive positive change.

Presented by H.Y.P.E. to Empower Inc. and Reginald and Dionne Smith Foundation

Harnessing the Power of HBCUs/BGLOs to End the Epidemic
Session 4: 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Location: Imperial 9, Level 4
USCHA Workshop

This presentation explores the pivotal role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) in combating the HIV epidemic, particularly in the U.S. South, where Black/African Americans and youth/young adults (ages 13-24) are disproportionately impacted. As these institutions are predominantly situated in the South and primarily consist of Black/African Americans, they are uniquely positioned to drive significant change. The workshop will focus on three to four HBCUs and/or BGLOs that have been at the forefront of innovative HIV interventions in the South. We will discuss their groundbreaking approaches and share key insights and lessons learned from their efforts, underscoring their impact as crucial conduits of resources and services needed to address and eventually end the epidemic in these highly impacted communities

Featuring Clifford Castleberry, AIDS United

Leveraging Sisterhood & Solidarity for Culturally Responsive HIV Solutions
Session 4: 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Location: Bolden 5, Level 2
USCHA Workshop

Grassroots coalitions of Black women play a critical role in centering Black women in the domestic HIV epidemic response. Emphasizing the Ending the HIV Epidemic plan’s equity-centered approach, this session will illustrate how leadership networks can leverage community-specific resources to advance equity and promote culturally responsive solutions. This workshop will also provide a forum for members of the ”Atlanta Black Women Leaders on PrEP” to share their own experiences and insights and learn from the experiences of other attendees.

Featuring Neena Smith-Bankhead, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Emory Centers for Public Health Training & TA

Southern HIV Prevention Services: Bridging Gaps through Community Pharmacies
Session 4: 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Location: Foster 2, Level 2
USCHA Workshop
Featuring Will Ramirez, Southern AIDS Coalition

Transforming Physical Spaces: Creating Trauma-Informed Spaces for Your Organization
Session 4: 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Location: Strand 8, Level 2
USCHA Workshop

The physical space of HIV service organizations plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery and addressing the needs of clients, staff, and communities. By using a trauma-informed approach, organizations can create healing and supportive physical spaces that reduce retraumatization, keep clients engaged in care, and improve community wellbeing. Prioritizing staff wellness in the physical space can boost morale, reduce work-related stress, and promote self-care practices. Furthermore, physical spaces can also be spaces for resistance and advocacy and display an organization’s solidarity with communities most systematically impacted, especially in the US South. In this workshop, we will discuss trauma-informed spaces, showcase Southern HIV Service organization’s trauma-informed spaces to inspire others, and recommendations to build more trauma-informed spaces in your organization, as well as advocate to funders for more trauma-informed space resources.

Presented by SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center

SUSTAINing Change Through Ink and Insights: A Celebration of Our Collective Work
8 PM – 10 PM
Dream House Lounge, 401 Baronne Street #Suite 101 New Orleans, LA 70112
COMPASS Coordinating Center Event

Join us for “SUSTAINing Change: Through Ink and Insights: A Celebration of Our Collective Work,” which will celebrate our collective efforts in combating HIV/AIDS in the South over the last six years. During this celebration, we will honor the work of our partners, the SUSTAIN Advocacy Group (SAG), SUSTAIN COMPASS Coordinating Center, and the Community for Collective Action (CCA), who’ve made significant strides in mental health, trauma-informed care, wellness and well-being, telehealth, and substance use harm reduction practices. We’re also excited to launch the Community for Collective Action Zine Series, which digitally highlights specific topics of our content areas. Together, we’re making a difference. Join us in this journey of resilience and progress!

Registration Required: https://tinyurl.com/STII2024

Hosted by SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Real Talk And Research: V=P (Visibility = Prevention)
Session 5: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Strand 8, Level 2
USCHA Workshop

This workshop will discuss the design, implementation, and findings from our ‘Real Talk With Men On The Road’ Southeast (Real Talk on the Road: Sex, Stigma, and Sexuality) campaign tour where we visited the deep south states (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, and Washington, DC) to assess the sexual health and reproductive needs of transgender men and transmasculine individuals. This workshop will address the overall findings from this assessment, demonstrate the necessity for more assessments and research about transgender men and transmasculine people. These findings also display the lack of opportunity, access, and education for transgender men and transmasculine people to address their sexual health and reproductive needs. This workshop will include some best practices and strategies to filling the gaps of sexual/reproductive services for transgender men and transmasculine people.

Presented by Game Changing Men

Collective Action for Collective Impact 
Session 6: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Strand 12, Level 2
USCHA Workshop

Strategies from the South’s civil rights movement lay the groundwork for ongoing efforts to protect the rights of the most marginalized. By leveraging the stories and experiences of grassroots organizations, efforts in advocacy, education and training, direct action, infrastructure development, and coalition building are combined to end the disproportionate impact of HIV on the region. The COMPASS Coordinating Center model continues this legacy of regional transformation, by using this approach in organizational capacity building; stigma reduction and culturally appropriate care; faith-based advocacy; mental health and well-being; and leadership development among HIV advocates in the Southern United States. COMPASS’ implementing partners empower local leaders and organizations through training, resources, mentorship, fostering community-led initiatives, and policy and advocacy to address discriminatory practices and systemic inequities for people living with and disproportionately impacted by HIV. By centering the expertise and stories of those closest to the needs and solutions, COMPASS fosters the development of public awareness campaigns, supports infrastructure development, forms strategic partnerships, and teaches trauma informed approaches. COMPASS integrates an intersectional approach to health and social justice, drawing on the civil rights movement’s legacy to mobilize communities and drive meaningful change in the fight against HIV. This session will focus on the stories of COMPASS partners, the COMPASS model, and how they parallel to key strategies used across the civil rights movement to fight for disenfranchised communities.

Presented by COMPASS Initiative^® Coordinating Centers

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Breaking Silos: Creating a Southern HIV Advocacy Network
Session 8: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Bolden 2, Level 2
USCHA Workshop

This workshop will consist of a brief presentation, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from the Emory COMPASS Coordinating Center and community-based partners in the US South. We will provide an overview of the Southern Solidarity Advocacy Summit and the community-led advocacy initiatives that were implemented as a result, emphasizing organizations that collaborated for a greater collective effort. The interactive panel discussion will engage the audience and panelists in a conversation examining challenges, strategies, and best practices for building effective partnerships to foster HIV advocacy solidarity throughout the Southern U.S. Panelists include a diverse group of directors, coordinators, and managers from various southern community-based organizations we’ve partnered with both before and after the Advocacy Summit.

Presented by Emory COMPASS Coordinating Center

The South Calls, Nosotres Respondemos El Sur Llama, We Respond
11:30 AM -1:30 PM
Location: Celestin Ballroom, Level 3
Closing Plenary Luncheon

The Southern United States sets the foundation for reaching the End HIV Epidemic 2030 goals. Uplifting and supporting Hispanic/Latine populations in the South is essential. As the South has become a new destination for many migrants, it’s also home to Hispanic/Latine Southerners with an expansive history in the region. This blend of new and established communities enriches the Southern cultural landscape but also presents unique challenges and opportunities in addressing HIV. Immigration detention, access to health care, and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation exacerbate the barriers for people living with and impacted by HIV.

Join us to learn how addressing the needs of the Hispanic/Latine communities will ensure being steps closer to ending the epidemic. Experience the culture of New Orleans with a Garifuna performance, an Afro-Latine indigenous community that has lived in New Orleans for over 86 years and a notable southern drag performance as we embrace diversity, unity, action, and love and leave with a renewed sense of how to serve the underserved communities in the South.

Featuring Will Ramirez, Southern AIDS Coalition