Older adults in the LGBT community who have HIV live in all parts of Philadelphia. That was the impetus behind hosting a series of events on HIV and aging in various locations across the city, said David Griffith, director of programs and outreach for the LGBT Elder Initiative.
The first event takes place from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave. It’s free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
LGBTEI will host four other events over the next six months at different locations that are still being determined. Griffith said the organization used to only host one Conversation a year on the topic, on HIV and Aging Awareness Day in September, but wanted to come up with a more comprehensive way to deliver information.
At the December event, a doctor from Penn Medicine will discuss co-morbidity and side effects of long-term usage of medicines used to treat HIV. A pharmacist from Penn Medicine will cover medicine safety and adherence to taking medication. A representative from Mazzoni Center will also talk about how people can have more open communication and build trust with their doctors.
“We’re still coming up with content for the rest of the series,” Griffith said. “We’re looking at mental and emotional resources and the effects of status disclosure in the emotional and legal senses.”
People who attend the first event can leave feedback for LGBT Elder Initiative officials about what other topics they would like to cover.
Griffith said they plan to focus on information for people who have had the disease for decades and are dealing with long-term issues, as well as older adults who have been recently diagnosed and need to navigate access to resources.
Recently, people over 50 have become a big part of new infections, Griffith said.
To register, contact the LGBT Elder Initiative at 215-720-9415 or info@lgbtei.org.