REPRIEVE TRIAL TO HOST SECOND TWITTER CHAT, #HIVAGINGCHAT

September 13, 2016 • By REPRIEVE TRIAL

Reprieve Trial image - NHAAAD Chat Graphic

Thanks to advances in effective HIV treatment, people living with HIV have the potential to live a nearly normal lifespan. In addition, more people living with HIV are receiving treatment earlier, which allows them to live longer, healthier lives.This means that the number of older adults living with HIV is increasing. HIV awareness, prevention, and care for older adults could not be more important.

In observance of National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day this month, REPRIEVE Trial

is partnering with the AIDS Clinical Trial Network (ACTG)

, the National Library of Medicine (NLM), and ACRIA

to host an HIV & Aging Twitter Chat (#HIVAgingChat)

on Friday, September 16 at 3:00-4:00 PM ET / 12:00-1:00 PM PT. The purpose of this chat is to raise awareness about aging with HIV, discuss the challenges associated with it, and to provide resources for people living with HIV.

This past February, REPRIEVE hosted its first Twitter chat on HIV and heart disease,#HIVHeartChat. With the participation of well-known HIV nonprofits, governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and HIV researchers and physicians, as well as those living with HIV, #HIVHeartChat spurred a lively conversation on HIV and heart disease.

Despite being a success, the experience of planning and executing a Twitter chat for the first time provided some valuable insights that, we hope, will improve the upcoming #HIVAgingChat. Specifically, we have adjusted the time to allow a greater number of people to join the conversation. We hope that holding the chat on a Friday, at 3:00pm ET and 12:00pm PT, will allow those on the East coast to join as they wrap up their work week, and those on the Pacific coast to participate during lunch-time.

Another lesson learned: partnering with like-minded organizations to co-host a Twitter chat is a great way to collaborate on a significant issue and reach a wider audience. REPRIEVE is fortunate to be partnering with AIDS Clinical Trial Network (ACTG) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to co-host the #HIVAgingChat. REPRIEVE, ACTG, ACRIA and NLM feel the significance of encouraging a conversation on aging with HIV.

We look forward to a lively discussion that will address HIV awareness, education, and prevention for older adults, in addition to sharing resources for those aging with HIV.

To join the conversation, log onto Twitter and use the hashtag #HIVAgingChat

on Friday, September 16 at 3PM ET / 12PM PT.