Welcome to Insights Uncovered, a series from the Health Action Alliance that delivers valuable perspectives from industry thought leaders on the health issues facing your company, in their own words.

Ahead of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, today’s edition of Insights Uncovered explores how employers can support their teams — and invest in healthier communities — by encouraging their employees to get tested for HIV.

If you’d like more information, download our free National HIV Testing Day Playbook for Employers to learn how to promote testing and ensure your workforce has access to necessary care.

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Tracy Watts
‍Senior Partner, U.S. Health Policy Leader
Mercer

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"About 60% of employers are doing something to address health equity, with most efforts focused on ensuring members can identify culturally competent providers and identifying gaps in care based on gender, race or sexual orientation. Because HIV has a disproportionate impact on Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ communities, it is a perfect match for focused health equity efforts. Testing is the only way to know your status and the gateway to accessing treatment. Building HIV awareness and improving access to testing is a great health equity initiative that will truly make a difference in people’s lives."

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Dr. Robyn Neblett Fanfair
‍Director for the Division of HIV Prevention
‍CDC

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"Today, there are more HIV prevention options than ever before, but these options are not reaching all communities equitably. Businesses have an important role in the comprehensive response to HIV in the United States. This includes supporting activities that implement HIV awareness, prevention and testing efforts in the workplace. Businesses can help share information and resources to reduce workplace stigma and discrimination toward HIV testing, prevention and care. Businesses are essential partners in public health, and CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention is committed to helping them educate and empower their employees to make informed decisions and live healthier lives."

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SPONSORED ANSWER

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Tristan Schukraft
‍CEO
MISTR

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"There are numerous benefits for businesses to encourage HIV testing and prevention (i.e., PrEP). Healthy employees, both psychologically and mentally, lead to increased productivity and reduced health care costs. Early detection of HIV enables timely treatment, preventing more severe health issues, while increasing access to PrEP eliminates new HIV infections altogether. Increasing access to and promoting regular HIV testing and PrEP also fosters a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, reducing stigma and discrimination and allowing business to have a meaningful impact in the effort to eliminate HIV by 2030."

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Torrian L. Baskerville
‍Director, HIV & Health Equity
Human Rights Campaign

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"The U.S. Census Bureau reported about 49% of the population relied on employer-based health insurance as their primary health coverage in 2021, meaning over 127 million people's access to quality, equitable health care — which includes sexual health education, prevention and treatment — is influenced by their employers. Therefore, employers have a significant role in addressing the HIV epidemic through the quality of health insurance provided and the benefits and services they promote. Employers making HIV services — testing, prevention, treatment — part of their benefits conversations helps demystify HIV and let everyone know, to quote my colleague, Dr. Tatyana Moaton, that 'everyone is HIV-possible.'"

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Mario J. Pérez, MPH
‍Director, Division of HIV and STD Programs
‍Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

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"The U.S. Business sector is a crucial partner in efforts to both create and advance strategies that promote the health and well-being of communities, including our workforce. COVID offers the best recent example of how promoting and protecting worker health has a direct benefit on the ability of private sector businesses to perform.  Businesses should encourage HIV testing among employees to promote a healthier workforce and help mitigate stigma. Early HIV detection and prompt HIV treatment can improve health outcomes, fostering workforce productivity, reducing absenteeism and reducing health insurance costs — all while allowing businesses to demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility."

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James York
‍CCO
Molecular Testing Labs

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"In addition to being an HIV testing and lab provider, Molecular Testing Labs believes it is equally important to champion HIV as an employer. Employers play a critical role in providing benefits and educating employees about their options for health care. This includes expanding options for testing and alleviating some of the mistrust many employees harbor about the healthcare system. By expanding employee awareness and receptiveness to testing, employers greatly improve their employees’ likelihood of seeking diagnosis and treatment for infections that may go unnoticed until too late."

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Shawnté Rothschild
‍Senior Manager, Federal Employee Program
Colleague Resource Group Member, Pride+ and Capabilities
‍CVS Health

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"Promoting HIV testing among employees is crucial for businesses because it ensures a healthier workforce by enabling early detection and treatment, which can improve overall employee well-being and productivity. It also helps reduce health care costs by preventing disease progression and associated complications. Encouraging HIV testing fosters diversity, inclusion and belonging by demonstrating the company’s commitment to employee health and safety. This proactive approach reduces stigma, increases awareness and contributes to a more informed and compassionate workplace culture, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization. By prioritizing health, businesses create a supportive and inclusive environment for all."

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A MESSAGE FROM MISTR

MISTR is a telemedicine platform offering free online access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and long-term HIV care in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Gay owned and operated, MISTR has brought together a network of the best doctors, pharmacists, and problem solvers to make PrEP, DoxyPEP and long-term HIV care available to all who need it. No doctor’s office, no paperwork and free delivery.

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