Presentations & Workshops

Learn the facts about HIV transmission and prevention using up to date, evidence-based information. Participants will gain practical knowledge about HIV prevention tools, testing, treatment, and how to make informed decisions for themselves and their communities.

Participants will:

• Understand how HIV is transmitted and how it is not
• Learn about condoms, PrEP, PEP, treatment, and U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)
• Understand the importance of regular HIV testing
• Leave with practical prevention strategies

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) are common and often have no symptoms. This presentation provides practical information about prevention, testing, treatment, and reducing stigma while promoting healthy sexual wellbeing.

Participants will:

• Learn about syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis C, and HIV
• Recognize common symptoms and understand asymptomatic infections
• Know where and how to access testing
• Learn prevention strategies and safer sex practices

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support. Through discussion and lived experiences, this presentation explores how stigma affects individuals and communities, and how each of us can help create more inclusive environments.

Participants will:

• Understand different forms of HIV stigma
• Explore myths and misconceptions
• Learn the impact of discrimination on health outcomes
• Identify ways to become allies and reduce stigma

Everyone deserves respectful, culturally safe healthcare. This presentation explores how identity, culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, income, and other social factors influence health and access to services, not just for individuals living with HIV.

Participants will:

• Understand the concept of HIV in social context – health equity
• Explore barriers to healthcare access
• Learn about culturally safer and inclusive care
• Identify practical ways to support equitable healthcare

People living with HIV continue to experience barriers to accessing equitable, compassionate, and stigma-free healthcare and social services. This interactive workshop provides healthcare professionals and service providers with current, evidence-based knowledge about HIV while exploring the social, cultural, and structural factors that influence health outcomes.

Participants will learn to:

• Understand current HIV science, including transmission, prevention, treatment, and U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
• Recognize how stigma, discrimination, and implicit bias affect patient and client experiences.
• Identify barriers to equitable healthcare and social services.
• Apply culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and person-centred approaches to care.
• Improve communication and create welcoming, inclusive environments for people living with HIV and those at increased risk.
• Connect individuals to appropriate HIV, STBBI, and community support services.

Pre-Exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one of the most effective tools available for preventing HIV, yet many people who could benefit from it remain unaware of their options or face barriers to access. All those who may benefit from PrEP should be made aware of its efficacy as an HIV prevention method. This interactive presentation equips healthcare professionals and service providers with the knowledge and confidence to discuss the fundamentals of PrEP within an Alberta context.

Participants will learn to:

• Understand current HIV science, including transmission, and prevention
• Understand the role of PrEP in comprehensive HIV prevention
• Explain how PrEP works and effectiveness when taken as prescribed
• Understand PrEP eligibility, medication options, monitoring, and follow up care
• Address common myths, misconceptions, and stigma surrounding PrEP
• Use inclusive, culturally sensitive, and sex-positive communication when discussing sexual health