We know that “HIV is more prevalent among African Americans compared to other racial/ethnic groups. As a result, while risk behaviors like sex without a condom or having multiple partners are comparable to other races/ethnicities, African Americans face greater exposure risk during sexual encounters than other racial/ethnic groups.” https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/factsheets/cdc-hiv-aa-508.pdf

Black women bear the trauma of racism and “experience complex and nuanced barriers to HIV prevention and care” and despite being at greater risk for HIV infection, black women underestimate their HIV risk which contributes to their underutilization of PrEP.

Dr. Helena Kwakwa MD, MPH will present her project responsive to the stated needs of Black women with HIV, entitled The Sisterhood for Health Equity (SHE) project. This intervention includes bundled evidence-informed interventions designed for Black women with HIV and was incorporated in an existing Ryan White Service. Dr. Kwakwa will describe collaborations, lessons learned and successes including bringing “lost to care patients” back into care and increasing adherence to both medication and care.

CME Program Code: 23256

TARGET AUDIENCE: Physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, advanced practice nurses, nurses, physician assistants, social workers and health care team

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Participants will be able to: 1. Review the epidemiology of HIV among Black women, and the needs of Black women with HIV. 2. Describe the Black Women First (BWF) initiative funded by HRSA. 3. Discuss the Sisterhood for Health Equity (SHE) Project as one of 12 HRSA-funded BWF projects, and a project responsive to the stated needs of Black women with HIV.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Drexel University College of Medicine and the Health Federation of Philadelphia. The Drexel University College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. AMA Credit Designation Statement: The Drexel University College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.0 0AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. AOA: This program is eligible for 2.00 credits in Category 2A of the American Osteopathic Association.

FACULTY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT It is the policy of Drexel University College of Medicine to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its sponsored educational programs. Speakers at continuing medical education activities are required to disclose to the audience any relevant commercial interest (which is any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients). Any conflicts of interest must be resolved prior to the presentation and announced to the audience. The intent of this disclosure is to allow participants to form their own judgments about the educational content of this activity and determine whether the speaker’s commercial interests influenced the presentation. In addition, speakers are required to openly disclose any off-label, experimental, or investigational use of drugs or devices discussed in their presentation.

FACULTY DISCLOSURE(s): Helena Kwakwa, MD, MPH discloses that she receives a research grant from ViiV Healthcare. Dr. Kwakwa attests that clinical recommendations are evidence-based and free of commercial bias.

CME PLANNING COMMITTEE DISCLOSURES: Debra D’Alessandro, MPH and Jennifer Kolker, MPH have no relationships to disclose. Helena Kwakwa, MD, MPH discloses that she receives a research grant from ViiV Healthcare. Dr. Kwakwa attests that clinical recommendations are evidence-based and free of commercial bias.

Requirements to receive credits: Continuing education credits will be awarded to those who sign the discipline-specific sign-in sheet, attend the entire program and complete a program evaluation.

FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Supported by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HIV/AIDS Bureau Office of Program Support, No. U1OHA29295

Intended Audience

Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Social Workers, and other Health Care Team members.

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