APPALACHIAN SYNDEMIC SUMMIT

The first annual Syndemic Summit will be held May 19-21, 2024 in White Sulphur Springs, WV. The intention of this summit is to identify sustainable solutions to the HIV, hepatitis, and overdose syndemic across Appalachia as a united region as well as discussing other issues that impact rural communities such as workforce development, job readiness, and regional collaboration.

Registration will increase May 1st so get your ticket now!

For groups of FIVE or more, receive 20% off your registration! Email ljohn@communityeducationgroup.org for more information.

Key focuses of this summit include:

• Breaking Public Health Silos:
  Breaking Public Health Silos involves dismantling the typical rigid structure within public health that isolates public health issues. We want to emphasizes collaboration and integration across public health sectors and agencies to increase impact on rural communities.
• Workforce Development and Retention in Rural Communities:
  Focusing on enhancing skills, knowledge, and professional growth, we want to address the unique challenges faced by rural areas. Strategies include training programs, mentorship initiatives, and creating supportive environments to attract and retain skilled professionals in rural settings.
• Forming Successful Multi-Sector Partnerships:
  Creating effective collaborations across different sectors is crucial for addressing complex issues. We want to encourage cooridination amongst stakeholders from diverse fields, such as government, business, and non-profits, to work collectively on shared goals, leveraging each other's strengths.
• Model Legislation, Community Organizing and Advocacy:
  Restrictive leglsation can be the ultimate barrier in addressing syndemic and economic issues in rural communities. We want to highlight how organizations can raise awareness, build grassroots support, and ultimately influence legislative decisions to create positive social change.
• Funding and Grant Writing:
  Securing financial resources is vital for the success of various initiatives. We want to discuss the skills and processes required to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling grant proposals, and effectively communicate the value and impact of a project to funding agencies as well as discuss exisiting grant opportunities of interest.

Abstract submissions and scholarship application are currently CLOSED. If you can not make that deadline but would like to participate in some capacity, please reach out to the email below.

Regionnal collaboration is a key aspect of this summit and we are excited to be co-hosting this event with: AIDS Alabama, ETSU Addiction Science Center, Harm Reduction Ohio, Kentucky Rural Health Association, Maryland Rural Health Association, NC AIDS Action Network, Community Liver Alliance, Prisma Health, Southern AIDS Coalition, Virginia Rural Health Association, WV Rural Health Association, WV Drug Intervention Institute and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Any questions about the event, including sponsorship requests, can be directed to ljohn@communityeducationgroup.org.