February 27-28, 2025
Chicago, Illinois
- Opening Remarks
- HIV & Aging
- Community Sessions
- Fireside Chat
This video captures the opening segments of Day 2 of The Reunion Project in Chicago, a community event dedicated to long-term HIV survivors. The morning focused on fostering connection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the day ahead. Key Highlights of the Morning:
Opening & Welcome (0:03 – 5:22): The session began with a prayer and a community greeting, followed by remarks from co-chairs Caprice and Gary, who emphasized the event’s commitment to dignity, inclusion, and joy. They introduced the host committee and provided a preview of the day’s agenda.
Mission & Partnerships (6:05 – 28:00): Executive Director Jeff Berry reflected on the 10-year history of the project in Chicago and highlighted their ongoing initiatives, including the Long-Term Survivor Leadership Academy.
Several community partners speak about their specific work in the field: John Peller (AIDS Foundation Chicago) discussed the Silver Wellness Advocacy Group and storytelling initiatives (12:28 – 15:15).
Michael Herman (Chicago House) detailed their focus on housing continuum and “aging in place” renovations (15:34 – 18:07). Tara Campbell (Howard Brown Health) highlighted their “Friendly Caller” program to combat isolation (18:30 – 21:18).
Brian Gooding (Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago) spoke on the importance of creating “brave spaces” for community healing and activism (21:55 – 27:39).
Grounding Exercise (29:11 – 47:18): Journalist and educator Sylvia Ewing led the attendees through a powerful, guided grounding session. This included sound meditation, breathwork (specifically a three-part breath technique), and a “loving-kindness” meditation to help participants center their spirits before the day’s sessions.
This presentation features Dr. Lisa Barnes, a cognitive neuropsychologist, discussing the intersection of HIV, aging, and brain health. The talk highlights how HIV has transitioned into a chronic disease of aging, shifting the focus to ensuring patients can thrive throughout their lifespan.
Key Takeaways: Brain Health and Aging (4:38 – 8:00): Dr. Barnes defines brain health as the optimal functioning of cognitive, sensory, motor, and emotional systems.
HIV as a Chronic Condition (8:00 – 13:45): The epidemic is entering its fourth decade. Research is now focused on distinguishing normal age-related memory changes from HIV-associated neurocognitive dysfunction (HAND).
The CEDA Study (16:00 – 19:55): Dr. Barnes details the CEDA study (Comparison of HIV and Aging), which recruited a cohort of individuals living with HIV compared to a control group without HIV, matched by community background.
Social Determinants and Equity (37:30 – 41:35): A significant portion of the talk addresses health disparities. Dr. Barnes emphasizes that addressing these disparities requires systemic change—moving beyond equality (giving everyone the same) to equity and justice (ensuring everyone has the resources they need to thrive).
Prevention Strategies for Brain Health: Dr. Barnes outlines six core pillars to protect brain health (35:42 – 36:46)
Part 1: Timothy Jackson, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at AIDS Foundation Chicago, presents the ongoing work toward the Illinois LGBTQ+ HIV Long-Term Care Bill of Rights. The Need: LGBTQ+ elders and people 50+ living with HIV (who make up nearly 50% of Illinois’ HIV population) often fear discrimination or “going back into the closet” when entering long-term care facilities.
The Goal: The proposed legislation aims to update state laws to specifically protect residents from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV status.
Part 2: Magnetic Relationships and Connection Carmen, a community advocate, shares her deeply personal story about living with HIV and navigating relationships. Magnetic Couples: She discusses “magnetic” (serodifferent/discordant) relationships, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is negative.
Personal Journey: Carmen shares her history of diagnosis, the importance of disclosing status, and the human need for connection despite the fear of rejection.
The video concludes with a Q&A session where audience members discuss the need for more support groups, the challenges of federal funding cuts, and the importance of professional etiquette in advocacy.
Recorded live at The Reunion Project’s Chicago Community Convening at Loyola University on October 25, this Fireside Chat features Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. In this conversation, Dr. Ige shares insights on public health, HIV care and prevention, health equity, and the ongoing efforts to support communities impacted by HIV. Participants had the opportunity to hear directly from one of Chicago’s leading public health officials and engage with issues affecting people living and aging with HIV.
