Notes from Las Vegas Women's Conference

"A Time for Healing" was the theme at the 4th Annual Women and HIV Conference held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 3-5, 1999. The event, sponsored by The Clark County Coalition of HIV/AIDS Service Providers and the State of Nevada Dept. of Human Resources Health Division-HIV Prevention Program, was quite a success. Women (and a few men) from throughout the state of Nevada and also various parts of the country were among the attendees.

Not only was the program well organized and educational, but it was emotionally enriching for all who were there. As a woman living with HIV, I have attended my fair share of conferences. Most of them I found to be dull, and the material presented seemed to be in a foreign language. That was not the case at this conference.

The event staff made me feel welcomed and comfortable. The topics presented were relevant, interesting, and easy to understand. The general mood of the event was upbeat and hopeful, but there were also some tears shed as is always the case when the subject of HIV/AIDS is discussed. Between presentations, lunches and breaks were great times to network with other positive women, and also make new friends.

MasquerAIDS

One of the highlights of the conference was the "MasquerAIDS" Dinner, Dance, and Silent Auction on Thursday evening. Under the theme of Mardi Gras, conference participants got a chance to eat, boogie, and also bid on some terrific items.

Mary Fisher

Other conference highlights included a touching Keynote address by Mary Fisher of the Family AIDS Network, enlightening presentations by Edith Springer ACSW of New York on Harm Reduction, and Valerie Martin CH, CDS of Florida on African American women and HIV. There was also a terrific presentation regarding Depression and HIV by Sandra Trisdale Ph.D of Arizona (Please see article in this issue). The last presentation of the conference was a very funny but poignant look at "Societal Scripting on Women's Decision Making" by fellow southern Californian Janis Martin CH, CDS. All conference presenters were very knowledgeable, approachable, and took time to answer questions from the audience. Everyone was very gracious, and my only regret is that I couldn't stay longer.

Thank You

Women Alive would like to extend a special word of thanks to conference organizer Pat Stachewicz, R.N. for inviting us to participate. We hope to see you all at the National Conference here in Los Angeles in Oct. 9-12, 1999.