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U.S. Business Action to End HIV: February 2025 Action Report
Welcome to the February edition of the Action Report! In this issue, we’re pleased to share the latest updates from U.S. Business Action to End HIV and our dedicated members.
In this February issue of The Action Report, we’re proud to share that earlier this week the Coalition sent a letter to Congress urging members to sustain federal funding to support HIV prevention and treatment programs in the U.S. We are grateful to the co-chairs and members of the Coalition’s Government Relations & Public Affairs cohort who worked to make this letter a reality.
Read more about the letter below, as well as recent stories of impact, Coalition updates, and a new Leading By Example profile featuring B Brand CEO Jason Panda.
Actions From Members
Coalition members have been active this month, raising the visibility of HIV, educating providers, partnering with local organizations, and recognizing National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (February 7). Here are some highlights:
Gilead Sciences marked National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day through multiple initiatives, including publishing an article about the intersection of art and public health in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and partnering with Harlem Stage to present Surface Level Podcast Live. The event brought the thought-provoking discussions of the Surface Level podcast from the studio to the community, fostering meaningful conversations around HIV awareness and education.
In a February 5 blog post, Mercer urged employers to review their health plans for compliance with the Affordable Care Act’s preventive services requirements, particularly around PrEP, following recent clarifications from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The article outlined the specific requirements, emphasizing that most employer-sponsored health plans are now required to cover PrEP at no cost to the patient, ensuring greater access to this critical HIV prevention tool.
The Paramount Pictures Fights HIV/AIDS team volunteered at the recent REACH LA gala. They supported the local nonprofit that empowers youth and provides HIV services, while also helping raise funds for LA fire relief efforts. This is a great example of how companies can support local organizations, not only through financial support but also by offering valuable capacity and resources.
Drexel Shaw from CVS Health joined the Texas Association of Black Female Physicians' 2025 Winter Symposium on February 8th in Dallas, Texas, to discuss HIV in the African American community. He shared insights on the future of HIV, including new treatments, testing advancements, and how the healthcare system is adapting to support patients with HIV and other chronic conditions, emphasizing the need for accessible, patient-centered care.
Coalition members, allies, and partners, including ViiV Healthcare,Molecular Testing Labsand Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, amplified National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on social media, bringing attention to the disproportionate impact of HIV in Black communities and the need for equitable access to healthcare.
Actions From the Coalition
This week, thanks to the work of the Coalition’s Government Relations & Public Affairs cohort, U.S. Business Action to End HIV sent a letter to all members of Congress urging lawmakers to:
Maintain federal and state HIV prevention and treatment programs to safeguard decades of hard-won progress.
Advance policies that sustain and expand life-saving public health efforts to keep the momentum going.
Expand access to essential HIV services like testing, prevention, and treatment so everyone can stay healthy—regardless of where they live or their circumstances.
Strengthen public-private collaboration to close gaps in care, especially in communities most impacted by HIV.
The HAA team and Cohort co-chairs are fielding follow-ups from members and the media and engaging Coalition members based on availability/interest. If you would like to get more involved in this outreach, please email publicpolicy@healthaction.org.
On February 12, the Coalition hosted its first Houston Business Action to End HIV chapter meeting of the year, with nearly 50 business and community leaders in attendance, both in-person and virtually. The event provided an opportunity to collaborate, reflect on the current state of HIV in the city, and discuss how businesses can play a key role in supporting the local response. Attendees also strategized on priorities for the year ahead. Special thanks to the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for their leadership and partnership and Amegy Bank for hosting the event. Learn more about the chapter and explore the NEW Houston Community Partner Directory for local collaboration opportunities.
On February 12, Abigail attended the CBIA Healthcare Summit: Controlling the Cost Curve in Bristol, Connecticut, where she engaged with local businesses and shared information about the Coalition and how to join.
Participation in the event was made possible by ViiV Healthcare, who also served as an event sponsor. The summit was a valuable platform for driving meaningful conversations about healthcare innovation Coalition engagement.
Earlier this month, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce hosted a B/ERG Leadership Roundtable presented by NRG Energy. Mario joined the meeting to share the work of Houston Business Action to End HIV and invited more than 30 B/ERG leaders and Chamber Impact Partners to join the Houston Chapter.
Opportunities for Action
Amplify the Coalition's letter to Congress by sharing it with your network on LinkedIn.
Share the latest video from the Coalition with a business leader in your network to inspire more companies to join the movement.
March 10 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, an opportunity to shed light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls and show support for those at risk of and living with HIV. Here are actions you can take in the lead-up to March 10:
Get the latest facts from the CDC about HIV and Women.
Talk about HIV in your workplace using these materials and resources from the HHS Office of Women’s Health.
Show your support for women and girls affected by HIV and AIDS on social media and use the hashtag #NWGHAAD.
Coalition in the News
U.S. Businesses Seek to Accelerate the Movement to End HIV, POZ.com (Feb 5). The profile about the Coalition highlights efforts to bring corporate influence into the fight against the epidemic and includes interviews with Coalition leadership and member companies Match Group, Mercer, and Walgreens.
Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Is Within Our Reach, Health Action Alliance (Feb 7). The newsletter shares the Coalition's impact to date, our work in local chapters, and resources to educate employers in the Health Action Alliance network about HIV and encourage them to join the movement.
Report: Alarming HIV infection increase in New Orleans teens, Axios (Feb 24). New Orleans health officials are urging an expansion in sexually transmitted infection testing, treatment and prevention after a new report says the city saw a sharp increase in HIV cases among 15 to 19-year-olds.
HIV, STDs skyrocketing at alarming rate in Mississippi, WAPT, ABC (Feb 26). Health professionals in Mississippi are raising concerns as HIV and sexually transmitted infections are rapidly increasing among adults aged 20 to 29.
Leading by Example
“Leading by Example” is a series from U.S. Business Action to End HIV highlighting inspiring business leaders who are accelerating progress toward an end to the HIV epidemic in the U.S.
Jason Panda
CEO
B Brand
Why do you believe it’s important for businesses to play a role in addressing HIV?
Businesses, particularly those with influence in public health, have the power to drive systemic change. The private sector plays a crucial role in destigmatizing HIV, expanding access to resources, and promoting education. By leveraging our brand’s platform, we are not only normalizing conversations around HIV prevention but also investing in grassroots initiatives that provide real solutions for historically underserved communities. If businesses do not actively engage in addressing HIV, we risk perpetuating disparities that continue to impact marginalized groups.
What are you (B Brand) most proud of so far as you’ve been participating in the Coalition?
I am most proud of our HBCU Public Health Ambassador Program, where we equip college students with the resources and training to educate their peers about HIV prevention and sexual wellness. Through our partnerships with Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and other institutions, we have amplified student-led advocacy and created spaces where young Black leaders drive change within their own communities.
Why is it important for B Brand to be part of the U.S. Business Action to End HIV coalition?
At B Brand, we believe that businesses play a critical role in advancing health equity, HIV awareness, and prevention—especially in communities that have historically been underserved. By joining the U.S. Business Action to End HIV coalition, we are aligning our work with a network of influential corporate and public health leaders who share our commitment to ending the HIV epidemic.
Our presence in this Coalition allows us to elevate conversations around HIV prevention, particularly in Black communities and at HBCUs, where stigma and misinformation continue to be barriers to care. Through this partnership, we can expand access to resources, collaborate on innovative solutions, and amplify the importance of inclusive sexual health education.
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