Addressing Sexual Risk with Drug Users and Their Partners – 6/5/12 (one day)

Course Description This one-day training will build participant knowledge and skills in offering sexual harm reduction options to substance users. Expanded access to syringes, other harm reduction services and drug treatment options have helped people greatly reduce their substance use-related risks for HIV. The latest research shows that sexual risk behaviors play a significant role in new cases of HIV among people who use drugs and alcohol.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Recall the latest research that shows how expanded access to syringes and methadone m aintenance programs has greatly reduced the number of new cases of HIV from substance use-related risk;
• Identify and discuss sexual risk behaviors clients engage in when using drugs and alcohol;
• Identify harm reduction strategies for reducing sexual risk among people who use drugs and alcohol; and
• Practice harm reduction messages tailored to sexual behaviors for people who use drugs and alcohol.

Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that participants have attended "Reducing the Risk and Harm of HIV", "Motivational Interviewing," "Overview of Harm Reduction" and/or have a working knowledge of harm reduction. Audience: All health and human services providers including: case managers and case management technicians in both COBRA and grant-funded programs, supervisors, and program directors.

Do You Work With High-risk Pregnant Women? Your Role in Reducing Mother to Child Transmission of HIV – 9/12/12 (one day)

Course Description One of the greatest successes in HIV prevention in New York State has been reducing the rate of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. However, cases of MTCT continue to occur each year. This training is for non-physician health and human services providers who work with pregnant women who may have issues with substance use, mental health, homelessness or incarceration. In many instances these women are known to providers but there are missed opportunities for engaging them in prenatal care, HIV testing and other supportive services. This training will describe how you can play a role in reducing HIV MTCT.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the epidemiological trends and factors related to mother to child transmission of HIV in New York State;
• List factors which have contributed to a decrease in MTCT;
• Describe NYSDOH regulations related to reducing MTCT;
• Discuss the impact of staff values and attitudes on delivery of services to high risk pregnant women;
• List strategies to promote access to HIV testing for high risk pregnant women, and treatment adherence, access to care, and support services for HIV positive pregnant women

Prerequisite: None Audience: Non-physician health and human services providers who work with HIV positive and/or at-risk women of child-bearing age including, outreach workers, case managers, social workers, drug treatment program staff, support services providers, staff who implement HIV prevention interventions and others.

It's Time: Integrate Viral Hepatitis into Your Work – 5/9-10/12 (two days)

Course Description This two-day training will help to increase providers' confidence, knowledge and skill levels in integrating a range of viral hepatitis services into an already compact workday.

As a result of this training, participants will learn basic facts about Hepatitis A, B, and C including:

• Epidemiology;
• Transmission;
• Spectrum of illness;
• Prevention strategies;
• Vaccine recommendations;
• Treatment options;
• Skills in offering viral hepatitis prevention and harm reduction messages;
• Practical tips, models, and tools for integrating hepatitis screening, counseling, vaccination, treatment and referrals for care into your current work setting; and
• Resources for support in work.

Prerequisite: NoneAudience: Health and human service providers working in the following settings: substance use programs, correctional settings, and public health clinics.

Introduction to HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis – 7/11/12 (one day)

Course Description This one-day introductory training will prepare non-physician health and human services providers to address HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viral hepatitis in an integrated, client-centered manner. The training will review the similarities and differences in transmission, screening, available treatments and needed support services for each of the diseases. The training will emphasize the connection between these diseases and the skills needed to effectively interact with clients whose sexual or substance using behaviors place them at risk for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Recall data showing the overlap of cases of HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
• State the rationale and importance of integration of services related to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
• State the similarities and differences in how HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis are transmitted;
• Deliver an integrated prevention message for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
• Provide clients with basic information about the spectrum of illness, testing and treatment for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis; and
• Link clients to needed HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis testing, treatment and support services.

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this training. This training is intended for individuals who have not had prior training in HIV, STIs or viral hepatitis.Audience: This introductory training is for non-physician health and human services providers who will be responsible for delivering prevention, care, or support services related to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

Sex, Gender, and HIV/STDs - 5/23-24/12 and 9/25-26/12 (two days)

Course Description This two-day training is designed to help health and human services providers promote sexual health among their clients by building their capacity to talk sensitively and non-judgmentally about sexual identity, gender identity and sexual behaviors. Topics to be covered during the training include: sexual and gender identity; strategies for talking with clients about sexual health issues; HIV/STD prevention and harm reduction strategies for sexual behaviors.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Increase their awareness about the range of sexual and gender identities of their clients;
• Describe how homophobia and other forms of stigma and discrimination can impact a client's sexual behaviors and ability to practice sexual risk reduction;
• Increase their comfort in discussing sexual and gender identity with clients;
• Describe how sexual trauma can impact a client's sexual behaviors and risk for HIV/STDs; and
• Offer clients harm reduction options for sexual behaviors.

Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this course, it is strongly recommended that participants have previous knowledge or training on basic HIV/AIDS information.Audience: All health and human service providers.

HIV Testing in NYS: 2010 Update – 8/1/12 (half day)

Course Description This three-hour training will provide information about new developments in HIV testing as a result of passage of Chapter 308 of the Laws of 2010. The law requires HIV testing be offered to all persons between the ages of 13 and 64 receiving hospital or primary care services with some limited exceptions. The offering must be made to inpatients, persons seeking services in emergency departments, persons receiving primary care as an outpatient at a clinic or from a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or midwife.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• List the core elements of the 2010 New York State HIV testing law (Chapter 308) and their impact on current laws and recommendations;
• Understand the timeline for implementation of the new law including the development of regulations by the NYSDOH;
• Describe the simplified process for obtaining patient consent for HIV testing;
• List the elements of HIV pre and post-test information with an emphasis on streamlining the process;
• Recall the responsibility of the health care provider to arrange for follow-up HIV care for all patients who test HIV positive (with patient's consent);
• Describe changes in HIV testing related to occupational exposure; and
• Explain revised re-disclosure practices.

Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this training, it is strongly recommended that participants have previous training in basic HIV/AIDS. Audience: Experienced and new health and human services providers who offer HIV testing as part of their job responsibilities and other providers who require clarification on the 2010 HIV testing law. Additional Training: Participants who would like an opportunity to practice the skills associated with offering HIV testing services may choose to attend "HIV Testing: Skills Practice Session."

HIV Testing: Skills Practice Session – 8/2/12, (one day)

Course Description This one-day training will provide participants with an opportunity to practice key skills related to offering HIV testing services.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Assess when a client requires face-to-face pre-test counseling;
• Conduct streamlined pre-test counseling;
• Deliver preliminary positive and confirmed positive HIV test results;
• Link newly diagnosed HIV positive patients to health care and support services;
• Work in partnership with HIV positive patients to promote notification of sexual and needle sharing partners, and;
• Conduct the NYS domestic violence screening protocol.

Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic HIV/AIDS information and attendance at "HIV Testing in NYS: 2005 Guidance" or an equivalent training.Audience: Any health or human service provider who offers HIV testing as part of their job responsibilities.

Integrating Screening for HIV and Hepatitis C – 7/18/12, 9/20/12 (one day)

Course Description This one day training will prepare participants to offer integrated rapid screening for HIV and HCV in a community setting. It will provide basic information about hepatitis C transmission, epidemiology, spectrum of illness, diagnosis and treatment. By participating in the training, participants will learn how to deliver HIV and HCV pre and post test messages in a seamless, integrated fashion and will learn about referrals that are essential for people who test positive for HCV antibodies.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Recall basic information about hepatitis C transmission, epidemiology spectrum of illness and treatment
• Deliver integrated prevention messages for HIV and HCV
• Explain to clients the value of being tested for HIV and HCV during the same visit
• Deliver integrated HIV and HCV pre and post test messages to clients
• Describe to a patient or client the meaning of a positive, negative or indeterminate HCV rapid antibody screening
• Refer clients with a positive HCV screening for further medical care including testing to determine if the person has chronic infection with HCV

Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this training, it is strongly recommended that participants have previous training in HIV testing.Audience: Experienced health and human services providers that conduct rapid HIV screening and plan to expand the offer of services to include rapid HCV screening　

Addressing Prevention with HIV Positive Clients – 8/15/12 (one day)

Course Description This one-day training will prepare participants to help people living with HIV to avoid sexual and substance use behaviors that can result in 1) transmitting HIV to others and 2) negative health outcomes for themselves.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• List psychosocial issues that can make it difficult for people living with HIV to change sexual and substance using behaviors associated with HIV transmission;
• Identify provider values and beliefs about addressing prevention issues with their HIV positive clients;
• Practice using a booklet that helps people living with HIV consider issues related to disclosure to sexual and needle sharing partners;
• Practice skills associated with working one on one with HIV positive clients on prevention issues;
• Explore specific strategies for working with special populations; and
• Examine prevention resources and be able to make referrals for prevention services.

Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that participants have previous knowledge on harm reduction and basic HIV/AIDS information. Audience: All health and human service providers, especially those who work directly with HIV-positive clients.

Note: Staff who work in case management programs should attend the training titled, "Addressing Prevention in HIV Case Management."

Advanced Training on the Needs of Incarcerated PLWHA upon Community Re-Entry 4/24/12 (one day)

Course Description This one-day training is to increase the awareness and sensitivity of health and human service providers to the challenges of PLWHA involved in community re-entry after release from a correctional facility. These challenges include the overlapping issues of family reunification, mental health, substance use, and need for HIV care. Best practices will be reviewed to support community re-entry and utilization of HIV medical care and other services.

As a result of this training participants will be able to:

• Discuss the specific challenges of family reunification for people living with HIV/AIDS;
• Describe the impact of unresolved past and possible future traumatic events;
• Use supportive inquiry to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the overlapping challenges encountered by released people living with HIV/AIDS as well as the strengths and resources of their 'families' and/or social networks;
• Use strength-based strategies for supporting community re-entry for individuals with co-morbidities of HIV/AIDS, mental health/trauma issues, and/or substance abuse; and
• Facilitate clients' access to HIV primary care and support services including drug treatment and overdose prevention to effectively manage challenges.

Prerequisite: It is required that participants take "Improving Health Outcomes for HIV-Positive Individuals Transitioning from Correctional Settings to the Community" before attending this training. Audience: All health and human service providers who work directly with formerly incarcerated clients.

Building Bridges to Cultural Competency – 5/3/12, 9/18/12 (one day)

Course Description This one-day training explores the broad definition of culture and its relationship to competent and effective healthcare and human service delivery.

As a result of training participants will:

• Discuss invisible privilege and its affect on both receiving and providing services;
• Be encouraged to self reflect and explore potential obstacles to providing effective services; and
• Learn how these obstacles are created when diverse cultures, Western medicine and human service deliveries collide.

Prerequisite: NoneAudience: All health and human service providers

HIV and Hepatitis C Co-Infection – 6/21/12 (one day)

Course Description More than 25% of people living with HIV in the US are coinfected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Among people who acquired HIV as a result of injection drug use, the rates of HIV/HCV co-infection may be as high as 90%. HCV screening is recommended for persons infected with HIV. Health and human services providers who work with people living with HIV need updated information about HIV/HCV coinfection in order to provide effective services to their clients.

As a result of this half-day training, participants will be able to:

• Recall basic information about the liver and hepatitis C, including transmission, prevention, course of illness, screening and treatment;
• Counsel their HIV positive clients about the importance of knowing their HCV status;
• Describe how coinfection with HIV and HCV affects the progression of each disease;
• Recall current trends and improvements in treatment for people who are coinfected with HIV and HCV; and
• List at least three additional service needs of people with HIV who are also coinfected with HCV.

Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this training, it is strongly recommended that participants have previous training in HIV/AIDS. Audience: All health and human services providers including: nurses, HIV/STD counselors, substance abuse counselors, case managers, case management technicians, prevention specialists and outreach workers.

HIV Disclosure: Deciding Who and When to Tell – 9/12/12 (one day)

Course Description This half-day training will increase the case manager's awareness of the multifaceted issues clients face when contemplating HIV status disclosure to family, friends and service providers. The case manager will develop the skills necessary to conduct timely, ongoing assessments and discussion of HIV status disclosure as a component of effective service planning. This training is meant to enhance case manager skills and should not be viewed as a foundation training for new staff entering the field.

By the end of this training, case managers will be able to:

• Describe the benefits of ongoing assessment and discussion around disclosure;
• Outline a format to help clients with effective decision-making about HIV/AIDS status disclosure, listing the benefits and limitations;
• Explain the value of supporting a client's decision regarding disclosure; and
• Discuss the steps involved in making the decision to disclose HIV/AIDS status to family, friends and service providers.

Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this course, it is strongly suggested that participants have previous training in HIV confidentiality and have taken "Introduction to Case Management", "Enhancing the Partnership between Client and Case Manager" and "Serving Families: From Assessments to Service Plans." Audience: All health and human service providers including: case managers and case management technicians in both COBRA and grant-funded programs, supervisors, program directors, and other interested health and human service providers.

Mental Health Services: Ensuring Appropriate Referrals for HIV Positive Clients 8/8-9/12 (two days)

Course Description This two-day training is designed to orient HIV providers to basic information about mental illness and to prepare providers to make effective referrals to mental health care services.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Discuss values, bias, and stigma of mental illness within different cultures;
• Describe an overview of mental health and HIV/AIDS in NYS;
• List of common psychiatric disorders;
• List mental health service delivery system resources an referrals; and
• Explore barriers to mental health care.

Prerequisite: None Audience: All health and human service providers including: case managers and case management technicians in both COBRA and grant-funded programs, supervisors, program directors.

Promoting Primary Care & Treatment Adherence for HIV Positive Individuals 6/19/12 (one day)

Course Description This one-day training is designed to increase awareness of non-physician health and human services providers about HIV primary care guidelines and treatment adherence. Non-physician health and human services providers who are aware of HIV primary care guidelines and strategies for supporting treatment adherence can play an important role in improving the health outcomes of people living with HIV.

At the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• List the components of primary care for patients living with HIV;
• Identify the key elements of the annual comprehensive physical exam for patients living with HIV;
• Identify the routine laboratory screening and assessments used in primary care for people living with HIV, including methods used to assess and measure adherence;
• Recall the different classes of HIV medications and briefly describe how they work;
• Identify common barriers to treatment adherence, including medication side effects;
• List three specific strategies for promoting treatment adherence;
• Identify when referrals to specialty care may be needed;
• Work as a member of the care team to:

  o   help patients take advantage of health maintenance services, vaccination, and prophylaxis for opportunistic infections

  o   conduct client assessments and make referrals for a variety of psycho-social issues including substance use, mental health, domestic violence, smoking cessation, etc.

Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that participants have previous knowledge or training on basic HIV/AIDS information. Audience: Non-physician health and human services providers who work directly with people living with HIV including: case managers, counselors, nurses, support services providers and others.