Enhancing PrEP Services for Adolescent HIV Prevention

Event Description

Location: Room 407

The Adolescent Initiative at CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) is committed to providing comprehensive HIV treatment and prevention services to young individuals aged 13-24. In this engaging workshop, healthcare providers will gain valuable insights on offering PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) services that are holistic, client-driven, and developmentally appropriate for this unique population.

The primary objective of this workshop is to enhance participants’ understanding of the clinical considerations specific to youth and PrEP. By exploring the intersection of adolescent development and HIV prevention, our experts will shed light on how the Adolescent Initiative’s approach to PrEP navigation and conversations about sexual wellness is tailored to meet the unique needs of this age group.

Furthermore, we will explore the various barriers that youth face when attempting to access PrEP and other sexual health services that are developmentally appropriate. 

Workshop Objectives:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of the unique clinical considerations when providing PrEP services to youth.
2. Recognize the impact of adolescent development on the Adolescent Initiative’s approach to PrEP navigation and conversations about sexual wellness.
3. Become aware of the barriers that youth encounter when seeking access to PrEP and developmentally appropriate sexual health services.

Presenters

Xander Lopez, Patient Resource Navigator, MSW (he/him)

Adolescent Initiative, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Zoe Gould, PrEP Navigator, LSW (she/her and he/him)

Zoe Gould, PrEP Navigator, LSW (she/her and he/him)

Zoe Gould, LSW (she/her & he/him) works as a Social Work Services Coordinator at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In her role, she provides PrEP Navigation services and sexual health counseling to patients seeking HIV treatment and prevention at CHOP. He has three years of experience in medical case management and enjoys the complexities of adolescence development. Her professional experience has largely focused on individual counseling, sexual health, affirming care for LGBTQIA+ youth, and the emotional landscape of early and late adolescence. He lives in Elkins Park with his wife, 10-month-old daughter, and two elderly pups. 

Dr. Sarah M. Wood, MD, MSHP (she/her)

Attending Physician, Division of Adolescent Medicine Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 

Assistant Director of Adolescent HIV Services

Assistant Professor, Perelman School of Medicine. University of Pennsylvani