U.S. Business Action to End HIV, a Health Action Alliance initiative, was proud to host the inaugural convening of the new Houston Chapter on September 25, 2024, in Houston, Texas, in partnership with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.

Over 60 local business leaders, community experts, and health advocates gathered to explore actionable steps businesses can take to enhance employee health and accelerate the local HIV response.

Meeting highlights included:

Local Leaders: City of Houston Council Member Mario Castillo and Houston Health Department Deputy Assistant Director Marlene McNeese highlighted the need for more private-sector engagement in addressing HIV in Houston.

‍Expert Voices: Kia Colbert and Marija Pritchard from the Emory COMPASS Coordinating Center at Rollins School of Public Health provided an overview of HIV in Houston.

‍Community Panel: HIV community leaders guiding the work of this local initiative, including Jill Jahns, MPH from Legacy Community Health, Avery Belyeu from the Montrose Center, and Jeffrey Campbell from Allies In Hope shared key challenges in the local epidemic and identified specific opportunities for companies to lean in.

Local Voices: We heard from local business leaders and community advocates about how they hope to engage through this local initiative.

Thank you to the many businesses that attended the meeting, including Amazon One Medical, HP, Chevron, ViiV Healthcare, Verizon, Amegy Bank, Hilton Garden Inn, Walgreens, Black Phlox Candle Company, Sesh Coworking Stans Hands Massage, Harris Health System, Thunderhawk Creative, Manifest Creative LLC, and more!

Together, we will grow the number of Houston businesses taking action on HIV—improving employee health, reducing stigma in the workplace, innovating new pathways for public health delivery, and strengthening relationships with the local community.

👉 Join us in making a difference! For more information on how your Houston-based office or organization can get involved, visit: https://www.healthaction.org/houston-business-action-to-end-hiv.

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