| Capacity Connection is a periodic e-newsletter from the Effi Barry Training Institute (EBTI), covering training opportunities available through the EBTI and providing information for the HIV prevention community in and around Washington, DC. Each edition of the e-newsletter features upcoming local events, key webinars and podcasts, and other resources to help build the capacity of your organization. We'll also highlight some of the impactful work and diverse perspectives of your colleagues around the District. We welcome your feedback as we develop and grow Capacity Connection into a tool for the community. |
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In this issue: - World AIDS Day 2024
- Upcoming Webinars
- On-Demand Trainings
- Featured Resources
- Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
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| |  | World AIDS Day (WAD) is an opportunity for every community and each individual to honor the more than 32 million people who have died worldwide from AIDS-related illness. Held on December 1 of each year, it is a day for voices to unite by sharing experiences, remembering those lost, and standing together in the fight against HIV. To view events and resources for WAD in Washington, DC, click the button below or visit dchealth.dc.gov/event/world-aids-day-2024. Please note that this page will be updated as more information becomes available. |
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|  | |  | Clinical Education Webinar Series HIV and Older Adults: Managing Chronic Disease and Polypharmacy |
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| This webinar on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 12:00pm will focus on the unique healthcare needs of older adults living with HIV. Faculty will explore the challenges of managing multiple chronic conditions alongside HIV, as well as the complexities of using multiple medications, known as polypharmacy. The session will review strategies for optimizing care, minimizing drug interactions, and improving overall health outcomes in this growing population. |
| | | The HIV-STI Nexus: Exploring the Hidden Connection This webinar on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 1:00pm will explore how STIs can increase susceptibility to HIV and vice versa, making comprehensive screening essential for effective prevention and treatment. Experts will discuss the latest research on co-infection risks, the impact on patient health, and best practices for integrated screening and care. |
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| | Building Bridges: A Multi-Layered Approach to Addressing Sex Education in Faith Communities This on-demand webinar explores effective strategies for increasing and destigmatizing sex education in faith communities. Experts discuss how to integrate modern sex education principles, strategies for engaging with diverse age groups, and methods for fostering open, supportive dialogues. |
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| | Strategies for HIV Testing and Linkage to Care for People Experiencing Homelessness People experiencing homelessness or unstable housing face significant challenges in accessing and adhering to HIV care. These challenges often include delays in seeking care, inconsistent engagement with healthcare providers, and difficulties in adhering to HIV treatment. The complex interplay of housing instability with mental health disorders, substance use, and economic and food insecurity further complicates healthcare needs. This on-demand webinar discusses the critical challenges and strategies involved in screening, diagnosing, and linking people experiencing homelessness to appropriate HIV care. |
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| | PrEP and Doxy: Strategies for Prevention This on-demand webinar offers an in-depth exploration of innovative HIV and STI prevention methods. The webinar highlights the benefits of the combined use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and doxycycline as a potential pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent certain bacterial STIs. Faculty provide insights into the latest research and best practices for incorporating these strategies into prevention efforts. |
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|  | | November begins the holiday season and wintertime. Although these can be joyous days, many struggle with mental health at this time of year. Here are some resources to help cope with shorter days, colder temperatures, family gatherings, and increased community needs during the holiday season. |
| | Winter Wellness: Reimagining Mental Health Healthcare providers have continued to experience worsening mental health symptoms, which can be exacerbated during the holiday season. This offering reimagines mental health as an essential component of whole-body wellness, identifies coping strategies to re-set, refocus and refresh, and provides an understanding of people-centered resources. |
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| "Rooted in Wellness" Podcast from EBTI "Rooted in Wellness" is a podcast mini-series dedicated to exploring holistic approaches to health and well-being. Join us as we delve into topics such as trauma, HIV, mental wellness, and the social determinants of health, all with the goal of helping you cultivate a balanced and thriving life. Tune in to "Rooted in Wellness" and embark on a journey of personal growth. |
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| | Mental Health and Self-Care Resources from the CDC |
| - Tips to Improve Your Emotional Well-Being: Many of us know we should take breaks throughout the day, but we often don’t. We may find it hard because of work or caring for others. Even taking 10 to 15 minutes is enough to reduce stress. Commit to taking 10 to 15 minutes today to do something for yourself. Here are some ideas to get started.
- Self-Care is Healthcare: A Winning Diet: People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of fat in their blood, diabetes, and high levels of cholesterol, which are all major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. A healthy diet, exercise, and reducing stress where possible are steps that can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.
- Caring for Your Mental Health: Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is more than the absence of a mental illness—it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness.
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Capacity Building and Technical Assistance |
| The Effi Barry Training Institute provides trainings and technical assistance to support current and prospective HAHSTA grantees and community-based organizations in the Fee-for-Service business process; basic HIV service competencies; advanced skills in health care systems, data and health informatics; high-impact prevention programs, including biomedical; and emerging evidence-based or informed approaches through a series of group-level trainings, boot camps, community forums, and individual consultation. Rooted in the idea of holistic, integrated, patient-centered care, HealthHIV capacity building efforts help develop an organization’s ability to improve patient outcomes and increase efficiencies, while remaining organizationally sustainable. The agency’s unique approach involves structuring sustainable systems and services that span the HIV care continuum. To request technical assistance directly from HealthHIV’s EBTI, beyond the capacity building prescribed by your Program Officer, please submit a Technical Assistance Request form. |
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Questions? Submissions?
Please reach out to Melissa Kelley, Program Director, at Melissa@HealthHIV.org with any questions, feedback, or submissions. For general inquiries, please email info@HealthHIV.org. Visit EffiBarryInstitute.org to learn more about programs and services provided to you.
Click the button below to request technical assistance for your organization on HIV prevention-related topics. |
| | | The Effi Barry Training Institute, led by HealthHIV, provides training and technical assistance to support current and prospective HAHSTA grantees and community-based organizations in implementing fee-for-service business models; basic HIV service competencies; advanced skills in health care systems; data and health informatics; high-impact prevention programs; and emerging evidence-based or informed approaches through a series of group trainings, boot camps, community forums, and individual consultation. |
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| This project is funded wholly, or in part, by the Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration (HAHSTA). |
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