Aging Without Boundaries: Advancing Clinical Care Across the Lifespan and Redefining HIV Services
Join us on April 10, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Amarillo College – West Campus, Lecture Hall A, for the Amarillo Area HIV/AIDS Symposium 2026, a focused and collaborative event addressing the growing needs of older adults living with HIV.
This year’s symposium will focus on the evolving needs of older adults living with HIV and the approaches that support high-quality, person-centered care. Through presentations, discussion-based sessions, and shared problem-solving, participants will explore practical strategies to strengthen continuity of care and enhance quality of life across the lifespan.
The day begins with a light breakfast and an opportunity to visit the vendor hall and connect with local and regional partners. Throughout the event, attendees will participate in topic-driven sessions, an author-led keynote conversation, and a multidisciplinary panel dialogue on the future of HIV and aging services. Lunch will be provided and will offer additional time for networking and conversation.
Whether attending in person or virtually, participants will gain meaningful, applicable insight into supporting older adults with HIV in clinical, behavioral, and community settings. This symposium is designed for clinicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, administrators, and community-based professionals committed to advancing age-inclusive, integrated HIV care.
Six (6) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered to eligible professionals.
❋ Perspectives in the Early Years of the HIV Pandemic: Ellen Matzer, RN and Valery Hughes, RN, FNP-BC will describe how society responded to the HIV outbreak in NYC during the late 1970s and early 1980s and compare the healthcare provider experiences during the early HIV epidemic and the Covid-19 pandemic.
❋ Beyond Viral Suppression: The Comorbidity Crisis in Older Adults: George Peterson, DNP, FNP-C will discuss common comorbidities affecting PLWH aged 50+, recommended care and treatment, as well as challenges and care coordination.
❋ The Mind at the Crossroads: Dementia, Alzheimer's, and HIV: Renee Pedroncelli, RN will describe key features of HAND and Alzheimer’s, screening tools and early recognition strategies.
Session Information
❋ Housing, Long-Term Care, and Aging with HIV: Susan Bailey, MSN, APRN, FNP-C will discuss housing stability and it’s importance to health, barriers to accessing long-term care, and strategies to improve access to housing and integrated care systems.
❋ The Silent Weight: Mental Health, Substance Use, & Social Isolation: Joey Sorenson, LPC, NCC will speak about the impact of mental health conditions and social isolation among PLWH, screening tools, early intervention strategies, and improving behavioral health care.
❋ Panel Discussion: Future-Proofing HIV & Aging Care - What Will It Take?: The panel will discuss integrated care models that bridge HIV and geriatric services, the role of telehealth and technology, policy and service gaps impacting aging adults living with HIV, and more.