Topic Description for Roundtable

Discussion of data from 10 focus groups conducted in the Northeast and Midwest urban areas with African-Americans, age 50+. The emphases will be on delivering HIV prevention services to this vulnerable and misdiagnosed population, identifying available resources, and addressing gaps in services.  The roundtable discussion will present an analysis of data gathered from focus groups of African American seniors located in the Northeast and Midwest.  Intervention model(s), communication and outreach strategies will be presented and discussed.

Statement of Purpose

Findings will assist service providers working with this population by: (a) defining the special needs; (b) identifying the appropriate messages and messengers for intervention; (c) presenting effective outreach strategies; (d) assessing sexual and drug using behaviors, as well as HIV disease progression and co-morbidity factors; and  (e) providing participants with appropriate educational skills/resources on HIV risk behaviors and symptoms.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the session the participants will be able to:

• Understand the complexities of working with this population.
• Recognize associated co-morbidity issues in over fifty populations
• Identify gaps in services
• Design effective HIV prevention communication strategies for 50+