Dr. Christopher Schiessl - Positive Primary Care October 6, 2026 Mizell Center, Palm Springs, CA

Positive Life Series | September 1, 2026 This community meeting at the Mizell Senior Center focused on connecting Coachella Valley residents to critical local advocacy initiatives, legal protections, and clinical trial participation. The session opened with calls for community input on regional Ryan White funding decisions through the HIV Planning Council, followed by promotions for the upcoming Positively Aging Project event and an announcement for a virtual UCSD study examining methamphetamine use in older adults. Key program segments and trial updates presented: Inland Counties Legal Services: Outlined free virtual advice clinics addressing medical access, healthcare privacy, housing, and status discrimination, alongside an upcoming advanced healthcare directive workshop. Injectable PrEP Options: Bios Clinical Research highlighted advancements with lenacapavir, including the newly approved six-month subcutaneous formulation (Purpose 2) and an ongoing trial evaluating an annual intramuscular injection (Purpose 365). Oral Treatment Trials: Clinical investigators detailed studies for simplified regimens, including daily Biclen compared against standard Biktarvy (ARTISTRY-2) and once-weekly oral combinations like islatravir paired with lenacapavir (ICELAND-1 and ICELAND-2). Community-Centric Science: Local clinicians and advocates closed by underscoring the necessity of inclusive clinical research, urging long-term survivors to leverage their lived experience to shape next-generation therapies. Main Topic Timestamps 00:00:07 — Welcome, cooling weather, and opening remarks 00:00:27 — Announcement: HIV Planning Council & Priority Setting and Resource Allocation Summit (Ryan White funding) 00:01:21 — Announcement: 11th Annual Positively Aging Project Event at Mizell (featuring speaker Mark S. King) 00:02:37 — Guest Speaker: Levi Colon-Vivas (Inland Counties Legal Services) on legal aid, free advice clinics, and advanced healthcare directives 00:05:00 — Announcement: UCSD research study on methamphetamine use in adults 50+ living with HIV 00:05:51 — Community acknowledgments: HIV Village Facebook group and local sponsors 00:06:43 — Bios Clinical Research introduction: Mission, core team, and community-centered approach 00:11:31 — Dr. Zadshir(Principal Investigator): Overview of active and upcoming trials 00:13:19 — Injectable PrEP updates: Purpose 2 (six-month lenacapavir), Purpose 365 (annual IM injection), and long-acting CAB (every 4 months) 00:17:30 — Active treatment studies: ARTISTRY-1 & 2 (Biclen vs. Biktarvy), ICELAND-1 & 2 (weekly oral islatravir + lenacapavir), and EMBRACE 00:22:33 — Brittany Jonas (Nurse Practitioner): Upcoming trials overview 00:23:23 — BALANCE study: Real-world observational cohort for oral dolutegravir/bictegravir (audience Q&A on complex regimens and age limits) 00:26:14 — Study 8079: Platform Phase 2 study evaluating weekly long-acting oral regimens vs. Biktarvy 00:29:56 — Study NOB: Phase 2B trial for newly diagnosed and treatment-naive patients 00:31:36 — Audience Q&A: Switching criteria from Dovato to Biktarvy study arms 00:33:01 — Kimberly (BIOS / ANAC Palm Springs): Intentional representation, lived experience, and holistic care in research 00:36:05 — Closing remarks: Upcoming Positively Aging Project research panel and final wrap-up

Speaker: Amanda Rittenberg M.D., DABOM - Eisenhower Health June 2, 2026 Mizell Center, Palm Springs, CA

The Positive Life Series continues with an important and timely session, “HIV State Legislative Update: 2025 Enacted Legislation and 2026 Legislative Session,”presented by Inland Counties Legal Services. This informative discussion will break down recent legislative changes impacting people living with HIV, while offering a forward-looking perspective on what to expect in the 2026 session. With legal experts translating policy into plain English (no law degree required), attendees will gain practical insight into how these changes may affect their rights, access to care, and everyday lives—because staying informed shouldn’t feel like decoding a government manual. Speaker: Levi Colonna-Bevis, Inland County Legal Services

Get ready to dive into open, honest talks about sexual health and HIV. Healthysexual is an educational program designed for people aging with HIV who want clear, practical information about sexual health and overall well-being. The program explores sexually transmitted infections (STIs), advances in HIV medications, and how modern treatment supports healthy, active lives. While it is geared toward long-term survivors and those aging with HIV, anyone interested in learning more about sexual health is welcome to attend.

January 6, 2026 - Mizell Center, Palm Springs, CA Positive Life Series 2026