HRSA Webcast: Continuing Education for Peers: Disclosure

This Webcast was held on Monday, May 3 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET.

Many people living with HIV suffer alone in the knowledge of their illness and fear that consequences of disclosure will lead to further isolation and stigmatization. Anxiety about disclosure adds stress to lives that may be highly stressed already and can impact the immune system. HIV peer educators and advocates are uniquely positioned to listen to their clients’ concerns about disclosure and confidentiality because they have experienced this same life challenge. They can offer invaluable support as clients make decisions about when and to whom to disclose. Peers also face challenges in deciding when and how to disclose their own status to clients, and how to interact with clients in the community without breaching confidentiality.This webcast is the first of a two-part continuing education series for HIV positive peers and their supervisors. Interactive activities will be included. The Webcast includes speakers with extensive experience in training and supervising peers to work with clients around disclosure:

Sally Neville, Alicia Downes and LaTrischa Miles, Kansas City Free Health Clinic, People to People, Kansas City and St. Louis, MO
Janie Riley, MFT, Lotus Project Consultant, Oakland, CA