HIV Is Not A Crime National Training Academy Announces Venue for HINAC7

The SERO Project, in partnership with Positive Women’s Network-USA, Positively Trans, and the U.S. PLHIV Caucus, is very excited to announce the HIV Is Not a Crime VII National Training Academy (HINAC7) will take place June 5-8, 2027, at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.  

The HINAC7 Venue & Logistics Committee selected The Ohio State University for many reasons, but one in particular carried special significance. HINAC4 was originally scheduled to take place at Ohio State in 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, organizers made the difficult decision to pivot to a virtual training academy.

Ohio Health Modernization Movement advocate Olga Irwin explained, “In 2020, Ohio was selected to host HINAC 4 in person at The Ohio State University. As a member of the host committee, I participated in preparing the initial plans for the academy prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although canceling the in-person event was disappointing, it required transitioning to an entirely virtual format. Because this was the first HINAC event to feature virtual access, the committee navigated new technological planning requirements to ensure successful execution. The event concluded successfully, including a virtual talent show during the evening social activity. Ultimately, this experience established a model for hybrid and virtual access in subsequent HINAC events. It would be a privilege for Ohio to have the opportunity to host a future HINAC event in person.”

Since then, The Ohio State University has continued to submit proposals to host HINAC5 and HINAC6. While other locations proved to be the right fit for those academies, Ohio State remained committed to welcoming the HINAC community.

Josh Meeks, Statewide Advocacy Manager at Equality Ohio said, “After seeing countless individuals prosecuted for simply having a health condition, we must declare loudly in Ohio that HIV is not a crime. HINAC7 would empower advocates across the board to stand up for their communities and demonstrate that Ohio is a player in the fight for HIV modernization.”

While our 2020 plans to meet in Columbus may have fallen through, we are excited to finally bring HINAC7 to The Ohio State University. Here’s to looking ahead to coming together in person, building connections, sharing knowledge and continuing the work to end the criminalization of people living with HIV.

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‍Important Information about HINAC7:

Scholarship Applications due October 15, 2026

HUMANities Art Contest submissions due March 19, 2026

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