Presenter: DeShanna Byrdlong

Topic: The Connection Between Alcohol, Other Drugs and HIV/STDs/Hepatitis

Objectives:

1. HIV/STD Risk for Women

2. HIV/STD Risk for the Aging

3. Drug Use and Viral Infection

The workshop presentation will provide an overview on the basics of HIV/AIDS/STDs/Hepatitis C and the risk associated with drugs and alcohol. An overview of the latest data and trends, populations at risk, reducing the risk of alcohol and drug use, women and drugs amd sexually transmitted disease for vulnerable populations.

Speaker Bio:

DeShanna Byrdlong presently works at Prairie State Legal Services as an Outreach Compliance Paralegal with the HIV/AIDS Project.  Her responsibilities include assisting a Project Manager and five project attorneys with various civil legal aid cases, compiling client data and completing required reports for funding entities regarding Ryan White Part A/B Grants.  She also participates in HIV/AIDS client and service provider networks in the Greater Chicago area and maintains regular contact with case managers.  DeShanna is also responsible for identifying and responding to emerging legal issues affecting persons living with HIV/AIDS through the development of innovative outreach and education programs.