The event is free and open to all individuals and organizations committed to eradicating the stigmas surrounding HIV and AIDS. Registration is required and can be completed online prior to March 31 on the committee’s website.

Breaking Barriers offers networking, education and advocacy for addressing ongoing HIV/AIDS challenges.

Dr. Ulysses W. Burley III will be the keynote speaker at the conference. He is an expert in medicine and public health and is the project director for the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) Faith Initiative. Additionally, he is the founder of UBtheCURE LLC, a consulting company that focuses on the intersection of health and human rights. Dr. Burley is committed to advocating for social justice through faith and community-based initiatives, focusing on raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.

Key church representatives scheduled to speak include:
• United Methodist Global AIDS Committee’s chairperson, Bishop Julius C. Trimble, resident bishop for
the Indiana Episcopal Area and Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
• Bishop Karen P. Oliveto, Episcopal Leader of the Mountain Sky Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The conference will also feature a panel of experts who will discuss The United Methodist Church’s worldwide response to AIDS.

In addition to speakers, attendees will gather in breakout sessions facilitated by leaders of various HIV and AIDS initiatives. Topics to be discussed include HIV/AIDS impact on children and adolescents, geriatric care, key populations, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP), and prevention awareness and education.

This conference seeks to equip advocates to make a difference for those impacted by HIV/AIDS in their communities. Programming has been developed to help attendees feel inspired, confident and well-prepared to enhance ministry outreach initiatives.