Georgia Southern Conference inspires H.O.P.E. in HIV/AIDS care to Rural Communities

September 29, 2015

STATESBORO, Ga. –September 29, 2015 – Georgia Southern University, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health will host the 4th Annual Rural HIV Research and Training Conference on Friday, October 23 through Saturday October 24, 2015 at the Coastal Georgia Center in Savannah, Ga.

Over recent years, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment has been on the cutting edge of research in Public Health sectors. According to the National Rural Health Association, rural areas comprise of 5 to 8 percent of a US HIV cases, with majority of those affected in the southern region.

This two day collaborative forum brings together a variety of professionals in health related fields to address HIV/AIDS prevention, intervention, research and care. Key speakers and participants will share innovative strategies and discuss unique challenges in providing HIV/AIDS treatment, especially to those in rural communities. This year’s conference will focus on H.O.P.E.
Health care: Medical, social and psychological realties in HIV/AIDS research
Opportunities: Save lives with the latest in emerging research into HIV/AIDS care
Prevention: Tools for primary care, mental health and social services
Empowerment: Advocacy, prevention and intervention in rural communities

Conference chair, Dr. Fayth Parks explains, “During its 4th year, our goal for the Rural HIV Research Conference is to provide an open forum to provide tools for professionals to use in the prevention and care of HIV/AIDS in our rural communities.”

The program will include Bristol-Myers Squibb sponsored keynote speaker, Linda H. Scruggs, Director of The Ribbon Consulting Group (RCG). Scruggs serves as a national leader with 20 years of experience working with women, men, families, and youth impacted by health disparities including HIV and AIDS. Her work has led her to present before former President Bill Clinton, receive an honorable mention by President Barrack Obama, meet national heads of states, and travel as far as villages in South Africa.

Other featured speakers include Gregory S. Felzien, M.D., AAHIVS, from Georgia Department of Public Health Dept. of Infectious Disease and Immunization, Sally Jue, MSW, from American Psychological Association Office on HIV/AIDS, and Patt Gunn, Master Storyteller from the Geechee Institute.

Registration is highly encouraged to all health care providers including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers, public health workers, psychologists, counselors, social workers, family therapists, educators, advocates, community leaders and policy-makers.

Credits applied for include; CME (Continuing Medical Education), GNA (Georgia Nurses Association); NASW-GA (National Association of Social Workers, Georgia Chapter); LPCA (Licensed Professional Counselors Association); and CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist).

Registration fees are $145, and $160 on or after October 1. For more information, please contact Georgia Southern Continuing Education at (912)–478-5555 or visit www.georgiasouthern.edu/conted.