The Circle of Harmony HIV/AIDS Wellness Conference is a unique event. It is the only conference of its kind devoted to addressing HIV/AIDS prevention and substance abuse prevention from a distinctly Native American perspective.
The use of storytelling, the Talking Circle, and the presentations or prevention/treatment/service tools, techniques, and/or approaches that are specific to tribal communities are not found in any other conference of this type. The Circle of Harmony features a Talking Circle that provides a safe and nurturing space for everyone to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings about the many challenges we face in these times of HIV/AIDS. The principle of confidentiality is adhered to in reference to what is disclosed during the talking circle. Support and care is given to all who attend. Every participant has an opportunity to speak from their heart without interruption or judgment.
Native Americans have come to trust and accept the tenants of this conference because of the culturally appropriate way topics are presented at the conference.
The Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board’s 14th Circle of Harmony HIV/AIDS Wellness Conference’s theme is “Bridging Generations: Thinking ahead while always being informed by the past” and will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico – March 26-28, 2019.
The planning committee seeks presenters who can address the complex and unique issues related to HIV/AIDS and have experience and expertise in working with American Indians/Alaska Natives.
For individuals interested in submitting an abstract, there are three presentation formats:
- 3-hour workshops
- 90-minute breakout session
- poster presentations
Topics for proposals include but are not limited to the following:
- Delivery of HIV 101 for Native Communities
- Anti-Retroviral Therapies (ARTs)
- Affordable Care Act
- HIV Testing
- Linkage and Retention to Care
- Case Management
- Innovative Prevention Approaches
- Co-infection of a different strains
- PrEP
- Harm Reduction
- Transgender Wellness
- HIV Stigma
- HIV Awareness
- LGBT social, health, literacy
- Best practices for prevention and treatment
- Sex positive approaches
- HIV testing
- Self-care
Learn more and submit an abstract at AAIHBCircleofHarmony.org.