HIV/STI Update 2026: Rising Rates, Aging Populations, and Funding Challenges
Friday, December 4, 2026 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. EST
Livestream Webinar
Any location with internet service.
Questions? Contact Us!
Target Audience
This training is designed for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, dental hygienists, allied health professionals, medical assistants, public health professionals, social workers, case managers, behavioral health professionals, counselors, SUD treatment providers, and healthcare staff involved in HIV/STI prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support, particularly for older ad.
Program Description
HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasingly recognized among adults aged 60 years and older, creating important implications for clinical practice across healthcare disciplines. This program will examine current epidemiologic trends and risk factors for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in older adults, as well as the impact of changes in HIV funding on prevention, screening, treatment access, and support services. Participants will explore clinical, social, and system-level barriers that may contribute to missed or delayed diagnoses, treatment challenges, and gaps in continuity of care. The program will also address practical interdisciplinary approaches to risk assessment and screening, patient education, treatment adherence, and coordination with public health and community-based resources to help improve HIV and STI prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for older adults.
Registration Fee
Registration Fee: $25
Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
- Describe current epidemiologic trends and risk factors contributing to rising rates of HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis among adults aged 60 years and older.
- Recognize social, clinical, and system-level barriers that contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment of HIV and STIs in older adults.
- Develop approaches to enhance screening, facilitate treatment adherence, and connect patients with appropriate community-based and public health support services.
Agenda
10:45 a.m. Log In to Live Webinar
11 a.m. Rising STI Rates Among Adults
12 p.m. Rising STI Rates Among Adults
12:30 p.m. The Impact of HIV Funding Changes
1 p.m. Adjourn
Emily D. Niehaus, MD, MPH
Emily D. Niehaus is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Duke University. She completed her medical degree at Emory University and internal medicine residency at the University of Utah, followed by Infectious Diseases fellowship at Duke. She joined the Duke Division of Infectious Diseases faculty in early 2026. She has professional interests in health services research and implementation science to improve prevention and care across the overlapping HIV and STI epidemics in the south.
Alba Ayala, DNP, MSN, RN
Alba Ayala brings a distinguished combination of advanced clinical expertise and public health leadership to her role as Public Health Nursing Supervisor II. Ms. Ayala is a critical leader in the fight against infectious disease. At the Communicable Disease Clinic, she oversees the integration of complex epidemiological data with front-line patient care, specifically managing high-priority programs related to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and generalized communicable disease surveillance. Her work focuses on designing and implementing rapid, effective clinical protocols—including swift linkage to care and medication adherence programs—that directly address systemic and equity-based barriers faced by vulnerable populations in Cumberland County. Her perspective is invaluable for discussing topics requiring close clinical and public health coordination.
Matt Martin (he/they), B.S.Ed., B.M.
Matt Martin serves as the Associate Director with the North Carolina AIDS Action Network, the state's HIV advocacy and policy organization. Matt graduated from Western Carolina University in 2013, receiving a B.S.Ed. and B.M. in Instrumental Music Education with a minor in Religious Studies. After teaching Middle School Band in the NC Public School system for two years, Matt left education to follow a passion for advocacy and activism. Prior to joining the NCAAN team in 2016, Matt worked as an Organizer on the TurnOUT! Charlotte and TurnOUT! North Carolina campaigns, two LGBTQ+ issue-based coalition campaigns. When not working, you can typically find Matt reading fantasy novels and drinking entirely too much coffee. Matt is currently based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Credit
C.E.U.: .2
Contact Hours: 2.0
NC Psychologists Category A: The program will provide 2.0 contact hours (category A) continuing education credit to NC Psychologists.
Accreditation: The Southern Regional AHEC is a member of the Southern States CME Collaborative (SSCC). The Southern Regional AHEC is accredited by the SSCC to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CME Credit Statement: The Southern Regional AHEC designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Substitutes/Refunds/Transfers
• Cancellations must be in writing (email or mail).
• Registrants cancelling between two weeks and five full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a minimum $25 cancellation fee.
• No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations received less than five full business days prior to the event.
• No refunds or credit will be given for no-shows.
• No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund.
• Transfers/substitute(s) welcome (notify in advance of the program).
Attendance at this activity grants permission for Southern Regional AHEC to use any photographs, audio, video, or other images from this activity for promotional or educational purposes. Please notify an AHEC staff member if you have concerns.
ADA Services
Americans with Disabilities Act Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA coordinator at least five days prior to the event at (910) 678-7209 or melanie.wheeler@sr-ahec.org.
Do you have questions? Contact us!
Lisa Blandin, Director of CME / (910) 678-7241 / Lisa.Blandin@sr-ahec.org
Melanie Wheeler, Manger, Education Support Team / (910) 678-7209 / melanie.wheeler@sr-ahec.org