September 10, 2018 – Orlando, FL. The Well Project had a strong presence at the 2018 United States Conference on AIDS in Orlando, FL, supporting the attendance of a number of our CAB members and bloggers, exhibiting and presenting. It was an amazing opportunity for us to engage with the community, share news about our efforts, meet new people and organizations, and be inspired by the most amazing group of advocates out there. Our team was comprised of Well Project team members Krista Martel (executive director), Olivia Ford (contributing editor), Kellee Terrell (social media manager), and Maria Mejia (global ambassador); community advisory board members Vickie Lynn, MPH, Gina Brown, MSW, and Masonia Traylor, and A Girl Like Me bloggers Katie Willingham and Wanona Thomas. We presented two important sessions:
- Building an "HIV Toolbox" for Women Living with HIV
Speakers: Krista Martel, Maria Mejia
In a climate of ever-decreasing funding and resources, this session described how HIV advocates can optimize their work by utilizing existing resources. We provided an overview on how to build an “HIV toolbox” to support attendees across their wide range of needs including information, community support, and advocacy tools for their personal and professional endeavors. The session provided an overview of The Well Project’s free, online resources (including a library of fact sheets, slide sets, webinars, blogs, and community partners) and an understanding of the importance of leveraging existing resources to build leadership and community. The session also featured our Building HOPE video, part of our Positive Action for Women grant, and provided outreach materials for participants to bring back to their organizations. - Beyond Viral Suppression: Addressing Stigma, Mental Health and Well-Being
Speakers: Krista Martel, Gina Brown, MSW, and Vickie Lynn, MPH
While the HIV care continuum has become the predominant framework for assessing progress in HIV treatment and prevention, viral suppression should not be the only outcome of interest when it comes to women living with HIV (WLHIV). This session examined the importance of a holistic approach to defining health and quality of life—including mental health, stigma and isolation, substance use, and self-care—for women living with HIV.
