National Conference on Women and HIV

THE LOS ANGELES County Department of Health Services is organizing a national conference about women and HIV infection. The National Conference on Women and HIV: Care, Policy and Prevention will take place May 4-7, 1997 at the Pasadena Convention Center near Los Angeles, California. Registration packets for the conference are now available! The national conference will address prevention and treatment of HIV infections using three categories; Basic and Clinical Science, Behavioral and Prevention Science; and Public Policy. Over 1,500 leading researchers, community providers, policy makers, and women living with HIV/AIDS are expected to attend.

The conference will feature invited "state-of-the art" lecturers and keynote speakers. State of the art lectures will examine current research, prevention, and public policies. Keynote speakers will discuss prevention, treatment and care from the different perspectives of researchers, community providers, policy makers and infected women. Presenters for Panels, Workshops, Symposia, and Poster Sessions will be selected through an application process.

"HIV Basics and Beyond," is a pre-conference workshop exclusively for women living with HIV/AIDS and is free of charge. The day long workshop has two parts. Part one addresses health care advocacy, clinical trials, understanding lab results, and western therapies. Part two addresses meditation, nutrition, acupuncture, massage- therapy, homeopathic medicine, disclosure issues, and stress management. Other topics may be added. The day long workshop will be on May 4, 1997 from 8am to 4:30pm. Lunch will be served and child care will be available. The registration deadline for "HIV Basics and Beyond" is April 15, 1997. Register early-space is limited.

To Apply

A Scholarship Fund will offer women living with HIV infection the opportunity to attend the entire conference. Scholarships will provide one or more of the following:

• Registration fee, air travel, local transportation, housing, and other conference related expenses such as food.
• Priority for scholarships will be given to HIV positive women who have been selected to give a presentation at the conference.
• Priority will also be given to positive women who commit to sharing information with their communities.

Scholarship applicants are strongly encouraged to seek funding from other sources. Detailed scholarship information and scholarship application forms are in the registration packet.

In order to be considered for a scholarship you must:

• Complete the Application Form.
• Write 2 paragraphs on why you should receive support and how you intend to share what you learn at the conference.
• Get a letter of recommendation.
• Describe other ways you have tried to get funding to attend the conference.

Scholarship Applications are due March 7, 1997. Applicants will be notified by March 31 if they have received a scholarship or not. Women from Los Angeles, are encouraged to attend the scholarship application workshop at Women Alive. The national information phone number is listed below.

Local Workshop

Women Alive is conducting a workshop to help women in filling out the scholarship forms properly. The workshop is scheduled for January 25, 1997 and is for women with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles who plan to attend the conference. The conference is not free. You must either pay the registration fee, or qualify for a scholarship. Come to the workshop, learn how to qualify and get letters of support. Space is limited, so please call in advance. 213.965.1564 -- Ask for Nina.

To obtain a scholarship application or if you have any further questions, please call The National Conference on Women & HIV: 1.800.845.2115 or email: womenconf@aol.com