Aging Well with HIV Conference

In partnership with Farmingdale State College and the NYSDOH grant People Aging with HIV (PAWH) Pilot,  implemented in Nassau County by  Northwell Health and in Suffolk County by Sun River Health, Aging Well with HIV on Long Island is designed to raise awareness about the health concerns of a growing population of 50+ people living with HIV on Long Island and explore how they can access services and support. 

The development of effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) has contributed to a growing number of long-term HIV survivors nationwide. According to NYSDOH data, nearly 60% of people living with HIV in New York State are over 50, a number which is expected to increase to 70% by 2030.  While we celebrate the successful management of viral load suppression, this growing 50+ HIV population is confronted with a myriad of health and wellness challenges that continue to impact life expectancy.  In response, NYSDOH began funding the five-year pilot initiative, People Aging with HIV (PAWH) which is administered by the AIDS Institute. Central to this pilot is a syndemic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the nexus between HIV and overall patient health through viral load suppression and comorbidity management, as well as addressing emotional health and social connectedness. Beginning in 2023, this initiative now supports ten sites throughout New York State, including Sun River Health in Suffolk County and Northwell Health in Nassau County. 

Topics the Aging Well with HIV on Long Island will cover include:

·         Impact of HIV & comorbid health conditions on people over 50 yrs. old 

·         Psychosocial impact of aging with HIV 

·         Healthcare Access 

·         Community Mapping 

·         Healthcare Access: Processes and things to know (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, etc.) 

·         HIV & Aging and Healthcare: A Gerontologist Perspective  

·         Digital Literacy (avoiding scams & understanding AI)