U.S. Conference on AIDS coming to Chicago by Christopher Brown, MBA, MPH with Cynthia Tucker

Chicago will welcome thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS, medical and social service providers, government officials, policy makers, community leaders, funders, clergy, advocates and activists when the 15th annual U.S. Conference on AIDS comes to the Windy City, November 10-13.

The mission of USCA is “to increase the strength and diversity of the community-based response to the AIDS epidemic through education, training, new partnerships, collaboration, and networking.” The conference program is comprehensive and geared to address the prevention, care, and treatment needs of all people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Each annual USCA has a specific target population and theme. The target population for the 2011 conference in Chicago is Gay Men and Men Who Have Sex with Men. This year’s theme is Make Change Real—Unite-Speak-Act.

Attendees will gather over four days to participate in institutes, workshops, seminars, lectures, and roundtable discussions to learn new skills, exchange ideas and the latest information, learn about cutting-edge tools to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS, find out about political and policy issues, and build partnerships and collaborations.

The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) has organized each conference, starting in 1997, in conjunction with a multitude of co-sponsors, program partners, and host committees. The USCA Chicago Host Committee is made up of over 100 service providers from Chicago and throughout Illinois.

The Host Committee is working hard to not only provide engaging, informative, and innovative presentations at the conference, but also in conjunction with the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, as well as Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration in order to provide attendees the chance to appreciate all Chicago has to offer, from the beautiful lakefront, to world class food, to the vital LGBT community. A balance of work and play is definitely encouraged.

For more information on USCA 2011 in Chicago, visit the NMAC website. Be sure to watch the video trailer promoting this year’s conference in Chicago.

top