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WORLD AIDS DAY CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON HIV/AIDS AND THE OLDER ADULT --Two HIV-positive older adults to speak at December 1 program sponsored by William Paterson University Institute for Creative Aging Older adults living with HIV and AIDS will be the topic of a conference on World AIDS Day, Friday, December 1, presented by William Paterson University's Institute for Creative Aging. Titled "HIV/AIDS and the Older Adult: The Invisible Population," the program is designed for a wide range of professionals, including social workers, nurses, health care administrators, health educators, clergy and students. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the Meyer Conference Center at Wayne General Hospital, 224 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne. "Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, roughly 10 percent of all AIDS cases have been diagnosed among adults 50 years of age or older," explains Daphne Joslin, director of the Institute for Creative Aging. "New HIV infections are increasing among older adults, especially women. Issues of prevention, diagnosis, medical treatment and self-care are critical for this population." Speakers will include two HIV-positive individuals, one male and one female, who will share their experiences in dealing with the infection. Panelists include Kathleen Scura, an assistant professor of nursing at William Paterson University; Robin Nadia Burgos, director of the Passaic Alliance; Pastor Melynn Murphy and Rev. Debra Burges, Congress of National Black Churches; and Patricia Smith-Keith, social worker, University Hospital of Medicine and Dentistry. Topics to be addressed include risk factors for HIV infection among older adults, recognition of the common symptoms of AIDS and the importance of differential diagnosis, treatment issues, support service and resource needs, and psychosocial and spiritual needs among older persons living with HIV. The program will conclude with a tribute to those who have died and those who are living with HIV/AIDS. Cosponsors of the conference include the Coalition on AIDS in Passaic County, Congress of National Black Churches, New Jersey AIDS Education and Training Center, Passaic Alliance, Wayne General Hospital and the William Paterson University Department of Community Health. For additional information on fees and
continuing education units, or to register, call the William
Paterson University Institute for Creative Aging at 973-720-3690.
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