Dear Colleague:

The Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation (CBAF), a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, in collaboration with the Coastal Bend HIV/AIDS & Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force and HIV Connection requests your attendance at our upcoming two and half day, 3rd Annual Coastal Bend HIV/AIDS & Substance Abuse Prevention Conference at the Radisson Hotel, 3200 Surfside Boulevard , Corpus Christi TX 78402 between December 10 & 11, 2008 from 8:00 am. to 5:00 pm. daily; December 12, 2008 from 8:00am – 12:00pm.

The purpose of the conference is to increase awareness on current HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis-C, Mental Health and Substance Abuse management. Proposed target audiences include professionals working with high risk populations such as: Physicians, Nurses, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Probation Officers, School Teachers, Counselors & Administrators, Family service workers, Prevention specialists, Community organizers, Law enforcement and Community police personnel.

Specifically, at the end of the conference, it is expected that participants will be able to:
 Describe current management of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis-C Substance Abuse and Mental Health issues.
 Describe the impact of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis-C, and Substance Abuse at the individual and community level.
 Identify leadership skills and resource need for effective program management.

The 3rd annual conference will have five tracks namely;
 Clinical and/or Case Management of HIV/AIDS
 Mental Health
 Prevention and Outreach
 Substance Abuse prevention and/or treatment
 Leadership

There will be wide range of presentations related and relevant to the purpose of the conference. A leadership track has been added for managerial staff providing oversight, directions, and program management.

Poster session opportunities are available to organizations and/or individuals interested in showcasing or sharing their innovative programs and service delivery model with colleagues during the conference. CMEs and /or CEUs will be available to the extent of your participation. Approved hours will be posted on our website as soon as possible. Please visit our website www.cbaf.org for more information and online registration or call the undersigned at 361-814-2001.

Sincerely,

Richard Sledz
Executive Director
Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation