Washington, D.C. - ‍Today, an influential coalition of private sector leaders has taken a stand, calling on Congress to fully fund domestic HIV programs in the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations packages.

The letter, signed by the American Benefits Council, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and U.S. Business Action to End HIV, with ally support from Business Group on Health and HR Policy Association, highlights the critical role federal funding plays in ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. The organizations participating in the letter collectively represent the largest employers in the nation. 

“HIV impacts millions of individuals and working families across the US and around the globe,” said Shawn Gremminger, president and CEO, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. “Corporate social responsibility and leadership requires creating an inclusive, supportive, and equitable work environment and that includes employees living with HIV. Federal funding is required to help businesses working to support these employees and their family members.”

“Years of hard work, supported on a bipartisan basis, has made great strides toward ending HIV in the United States. We must not reverse course when we are closer than ever to reaching this goal. Funding for HIV-related programs is a valuable investment from both a public health and economic perspective,” said James Klein, president, American Benefits Council.

The letter calls on Congress to:

• Reject proposed cuts to domestic HIV prevention and treatment programs in the House of Representatives’ FY24 Labor HHS Appropriations Bill.
• Fully fund the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative and other critical programs serving communities most affected by HIV.
• Maintain the U.S.’s leadership role in the fight against HIV both domestically and internationally.

"As advocates for diversity, equality, and inclusion in the business world, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce proudly joins this crucial call to Congress,” said Justin Nelson, co-founder and president, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Full funding for domestic HIV programs is not just a public health imperative but a testament to our collective commitment to building a more equitable society where every individual, regardless of HIV status, can thrive in the workplace and beyond."

“We believe that ending the HIV epidemic in this country is possible, but it requires a sustained commitment from all sectors, including the federal government,” said Mario Harper, Director of U.S. Business Action to End HIV, an initiative of the Health Action Alliance. “Private sector efforts alone are not enough. We need Congress to fully fund programs including the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative to ensure we continue making progress towards our goal.”

The letter emphasizes the potential economic benefits of investing in HIV prevention and treatment programs. “By focusing on reducing new HIV transmissions now, we can mitigate the future financial burden on businesses and the healthcare system as a whole,” the letter states.

The coalition further recognizes the long-standing leadership role the U.S. has played in combating HIV globally and urges Congress to maintain this commitment domestically.

Contact:
Caroline Jackson
Health Action Alliance 
media@healthaction.org

About American Benefits Council

The American Benefits Council is a Washington D.C.-based employee benefits public policy organization. The Council advocates for employers dedicated to the achievement of best-in-class solutions that protect and encourage the health and financial well-being of their workers, retirees and families. Council members include over 220 of the world's largest corporations and collectively either directly sponsor or support sponsors of health and retirement benefits for virtually all Americans covered by employer-provided plans.

About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions

For over 30 years, the National Alliance has united business healthcare coalitions and their employer/purchaser members to achieve high-quality care that improves patient experience, health equity, and outcomes at lower costs. Its members represent private and public sector, nonprofit, and labor union organizations that provide health benefits for more than 45 million Americans and spend over $400 billion annually. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org.

About the NGLCC

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBTQ community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBTQ-owned businesses.

About U.S. Business Action to End HIV

U.S. Business Action to End HIV was founded in 2022 by the Health Action Alliance, with support from ViiV Healthcare, to mobilize a growing coalition of private sector partners committed to filling gaps and accelerating progress to help end HIV in the U.S. by 2030. Member companies receive access to free tools, resources and events to help employers educate workers, fight stigma, improve access to HIV prevention and treatment services, and build connections to the communities who need it most. See a full list of member companies here.

About Health Action Alliance

Health Action Alliance (HAA) is the country's largest private sector network operating at the intersection of business and public health – dedicated to supporting business leaders as they invest in healthier businesses and stronger communities. HAA offers free tools, training and events to more than 9,000 employers who collectively employ more than 35 million workers. We help employers navigate emerging health crises, improve health equity and make informed decisions to strengthen the health of their workforce and the communities where they operate. To join the network and access our free resources and events, visit healthaction.org.

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