March 26, 2025

Fighting Back with Advocacy

The Academy joined the AIDS United Public Policy Committee (PPC) in a quick and forceful response in the days following our March PPC meeting where we first shared the news of the threats to the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention. As the executive branch has threatened the future of our movement, Academy members have consistently responded to action alerts, reaching out to Congressional offices. With our policy partners and the help of our steering committees and members, we have mobilized our constituencies in remarkable ways to fight back yet another truly frightening attack on our community.

Since that time there have been several developments concerning our community’s efforts to push back against the threat of the Trump Administration defunding and/or dismantling the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention.

On Friday, a Dear Colleague letter led by Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI-02) and Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), along with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), was released, calling on President Trump to maintain the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention and outlining the severe, deadly consequences of closing or significantly cutting funding to the division.

The Academy was one of the endorsing organizations of the bicameral letter signed by over 100 Democratic Representatives and Senators in less than 48 hours. It was joined by separate letters to HHS Secretary Kennedy from Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) and Rep Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), urging the Administration to continue supporting the CDC’s HIV prevention work as an essential part of our nation’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic in this country.

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

The list of signers includes: Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Robin Kelly (IL-02) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Jeff Merkley (OR).

As of Wednesday, March 26, the Administration has not provided any public clarity on whether they plan to move forward with the rumored cuts to DHP.

ACADEMY HAPPENINGS

Advocacy Townhall

Please join us for an Advocacy Town Hall on Monday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT. Join Academy member clinicians and staff for a one-hour virtual town hall to consider threats to communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, Medicaid and Medicare, research, and our work advancing health equity. A discussion of strategies for advocacy to mobilize our community will include insights from AAHIVM Policy Director Chauncey McGlathery and Academy members who are taking action as champions of advocacy in their practices and communities. Please follow this link to register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TownHallApr212025

AAHIVM Board Meeting

On March 8, just prior to this year’s CROI conference in San Francisco, the Academy’s public policy director led a board discussion entitled Positioning the Organization’s Advocacy and Policy Work in the Context of the new Administration. Board members strategized on the areas of positioning of its priorities, engagement of its members, and collaboration with strategic policy partners. This meeting provided an opportunity to help direction-set on significant advocacy and development needs confronting the organization. More information will be shared at the April townhall.

Action Alert Supporting HIV Prevention

On Tuesday, March 18, the Academy shared an action alert to mobilize members to call their members of Congress and demand that they stand up for HIV prevention and to the impending threat of cuts to CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention by the Trump Administration. Here is a link to that alert.

Action Alert on Continuing Resolution

On Thursday, March 13, the Academy shared an alert urging members to reach out and tell their Senators to vote no on the long term continuing resolution that would enable the Trump administration to continue their all out assault on our nation’s public health funding and infrastructure. Members responded to the Tell Congress: Protect HIV Funding and Oppose a Long Term Continuing Resolution, alert and shared it with their networks.

Advocacy with Local Media

As we continue formulating policy plans to fight back, we will be tracking members who are actively advocating. On March 4, Dr. Gary Spinner had an op-ed published in the Hartford Courant. We highlight Dr. Spinner’s advocacy and encourage other HIV providers to write similar op-eds to their local newspapers. If you need direction on how to write and place op-eds in your local media, please reach out to advocacy@aahivm.org.

EVENTS

AIDSWatch

More than 500 advocates are expected to gather in Washington, D.C., for AIDSWatch to advocate for HIV programs and policy priorities. As the oldest and largest constituent-led HIV federal advocacy event in the country, AIDS Watch will bring together hundreds of HIV advocates and allies in Washington, D.C., from March 31 to April 2 to fight government overreach and push for policies that will end the HIV epidemic.

Advocates from across the United States and its territories will participate in over 200 congressional meetings, urging lawmakers to protect and expand HIV-related policies and programs. This year’s AIDSWatch comes at a critical time, as proposed federal budget cuts threaten essential programs such as Medicaid and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program—lifelines for people with HIV.

Seven Days of Action to Mobilize for Continued HIV Prevention

The Academy has been invited to join PrEP In Black America (PIBA) and SisterLove Inc. for their launch of Seven Days of Action to mobilize communities, advocates, stakeholders, and faith leaders in response to proposed funding cuts to CDC HIV prevention programs. If these cuts go unchallenged, they will significantly impact life-saving services, particularly in Black communities that are already disproportionately affected by HIV.

Seven Days of Action Schedule

Day One: Contact Your Congressional Leaders

Take action by reaching out to your representatives. Let them know that cutting HIV prevention funding is unacceptable! Call, email or visit them in person.

Day Two: Inform the Community

Spread awareness about the proposed cuts and their devastating impact. Use social media, community meetings, and local events to educate your networks.

Day Three: What the Health is Going On?

Join us to explore the status of HIV prevention and the effects of funding decisions on Black communities.

Day Four: Connecting with Our God and Ancestors for Strength in the Movement

Faith and spirituality have always been central in social justice. We will hold space for collective prayer, reflection and empowerment.

Day Five: Uplifting Mental Health Services Needed During Advocacy

Advocacy work is demanding. Today, we focus on mental health and wellness for activists, ensuring the movement’s sustainability.

Day Six: Virtual Town Hall

Join national experts, advocates, and impacted community members to discuss solutions and strategies to continue fighting for HIV prevention funding.

Day Seven: Where Do We Go From Here?

A final assessment of our progress, the current state of funding, and the additional action needed to keep pushing forward.

Don’t know your congressional representative? Find them here: Find Your Representative

Or call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative or senator.