Associate Dean Tom Walsh, Conference Director Vincent Lynch, and Professor Emeritus, San Jose State University College of Social Work, Manuel Fimbres (MSW, '65) at the 25th Annual National Conference on Social Work and HIV/AIDS

MAY 29, 2013

The Graduate School of Social Work's groundbreaking National Conference on Social Work and HIV/AIDS marks its silver anniversary this year, its focus having changed in light of medical science's progress against the disease over the past quarter-century. But as conference founder Vincent Lynch adds, the need for the forum — which took place in May 2013 in Chicago — is as great as ever.

"Now, as then, it is social workers who confront the devastating impact AIDS has on individuals and families," said Lynch, who is director of continuing education at GSSW. "The goal of the conference has always been the same: to share experiences, practices, and ideas that will enable social workers to meet the needs of their clients."

The Boston College Graduate School of Social Work's HIV/AIDS Conference is still the only national conference of its type, says Lynch — organized by and for AIDS care social workers. This year's conference drew almost 500 attendees from the U.S. and abroad.

Next year's conference, "New Practice Strategies...For a New Era in AIDS Care," will take place May 22-25, 2014 in Denver. Details will be posted soon on the Continuing Education website.

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