Title: We had a blast in San Francisco!

Author:

Section/SPIG: HIV/AIDS

Issue Date:

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The HIV/AIDS Section members had some wonderful opportunities to meet and socialize with one another in San Francisco. I hope you were able to join us. We started the conference by having a get together at the University of California, San Francisco AIDS Health Project.

The mission of the UCSF AIDS Health Project is to provide culturally sensitive counseling and education to stop the spread of HIV infection, and to help people face the emotional, psychological and social challenges of living with HIV disease. Members were able to learn about the work of the AIDS Health Project, which includes providing direct mental health services to people with HIV disease, seronegative people, friends, family members, and partners of people with HIV disease, and caregivers. What a great organization and a great opportunity to mingle with Section members, APHA attendees, community members and staff of the AIDS Health Project.

This Sunday evening social gave Section members the opportunity to explore the San Francisco Castro district and to walk outside of Moscone Convention Center for fresh air.

I don't think many folks stayed out late on Sunday night, because there was a great turnout for our New Members breakfast at 7 on Monday morning. Over 25 people attended the new members breakfast and dined on coffee, bagels, etc. Those present had the opportunity to introduce her or himself and to talk about their interest in the Section. The Monday morning breakfast was held at the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies. Not many folks were in the building during our meeting. However, it may have been a bit too early for people from the west coast to make it downtown on time.

As usual, our most well attended event was the Tuesday night social and Awards Banquet. Over 200 APHA attendees came to the meeting to hear our invited speaker Dr. Mervyn Silverman, who has a long and illustrious career working in the field of HIV. Dr. Silverman spoke to a standing room only crowd. Several different people were acknowledged for their service to the Section or for their Outstanding Presentation made during the conference.

The HIV/AIDS Section would like to thank our generous sponsors for the social events. These include the Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center for the Sunday night social at AIDS Health Project, the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies for the New Member Breakfast on Monday morning, and the Section itself for hosting the Tuesday night event.

For those of you who missed out on any of these activities in San Francisco, plan ahead now and don't miss out when we meet in Washington, D.C.