Rep. Nickie J. Antonio presents this event to build strategic connections to battle this critical women's health issue.

HIV/AIDS is increasingly becoming a "women's epidemic" in the United States with recent data suggesting that an estimated 25 percent of persons living with HIV in the United States are women and girls. Some women, especially those living in poverty or at-risk situations such as domestic violence are more likely to face barriers in accessing HIV prevention, treatment and care.

Agenda:

Welcome, Introductions and Overview of Mission and Agenda: Nickie J. Antonio, State Representative

Laying the Foundation: HIV/AIDS is a Woman's Health Issue

Tracy L. Jones, Chief Executive Officer, The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

Linda Seiter, Executive Director, CARACOLE, Inc.

Elaine Henderson, Community Care Liaison, Care Alliance Health Center

Women Confronting HIV/AIDS: Past and Present

"Fighting for Our Lives: Women Confronting AIDS" A video for the Center for Women Policy Studies Washington, DC

Empowerment through Knowledge & Prevention: HIV/AIDS 101

Julie Patterson, MPH, Director of Capacity Building, The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

Testing & Prevention

Bobbi J. Bratchett, HIS, HIV/Hepatitis C Integration Specialist, Public Information Officer, Portsmouth City Health Department

Medication Access and Adherence Specific to Women

Kelly Burke, R. Ph., HIV Specialty Pharmacist for ExactCare

Co-Factors of Risk: Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking

Renee Jones, President & CEO and founder of the Renee Jones Empowerment Center

Mary Wilson, Community Outreach Coordinator, the Renee Jones Empowerment Center

Michelle Hannan, MSW, LISW-S, Director of Professional and Community Services, The Salvation Army

Co-factors of Risk: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Laura Schumm, MSW, LSW, Project Connect Coordinator, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Katie Hanna, Statewide Director, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV)



Strategic Connections for Empowerment and Prevention

Rep. Antonio, panelists, group discussion and wrap-up