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Empower

Black Women and HIV: Empowerment through Engagement, Education, and Enrichment

Racism, poverty and lack of access to quality care significantly impact Black women’s health.

Higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STls), lower rates of testing and higher rates of stigma continue to make Black women vulnerable to poorer health outcomes, including acquisition of HIV or STIs. As a traditionally marginalized group, and for many multi-layered reasons, educational and engagement opportunities and health data for and by Black women is limited.

HealthHIV

HealthHIV, a premier national HIV nonprofit organization, and Howard University, a champion of Black women, are collaborating to conduct research, provide education, spark community engagement, and embrace the arts to create a path to empowerment. Our innovative project will improve the availability of data and develop creative health and wellbeing programming.

Visit the Howard University website for more information on the initiative.

Upcoming Events

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  • Between Us: Love Outside the Shadow of HIV Stigma

    Between Us: Love Outside the Shadow of HIV Stigma

    This important conversation shines a light on love that transcends HIV status. Through honest dialogue and powerful lived experiences, we’ll explore the realities of mixed-status relationships—where one partner is living with HIV and the other is not. Together, we’ll address the challenges of navigating stigma, family dynamics, and health, while celebrating the resilience, strength, and…

Setting the P.A.C.E. Community Survey

Please consider participating in this brief survey on your experiences with HIV, mental health, and well-being, for the chance to win a $25 gift card. Responses will be used to support the Setting the P.A.C.E. Initiative, a program developed by Gilead Sciences to tackle health disparities, increase awareness, combat stigma, and provide support in areas with high rates of HIV among Black women.

Take the Survey
Empower HIV Prevention Resources Guide Cover

HIV Prevention Resources for Black Women to Thrive

From September 2024 through October 2024, a community survey was conducted among self-identified Black/African American females to identify gaps in healthcare access, usability, and confidence in care.

As a direct response to the insights gathered from the survey, we developed a comprehensive resource guide designed to bridge the gaps in healthcare access for Black women. This guide serves as a vital tool, equipping individuals with the knowledge and support needed to navigate medical systems with confidence.

Download the Resource Guide
Empower Wellness Chronicles Video Series

Wellness Chronicles

The “Wellness Chronicles” series features short videos with leading public health experts on all things HIV, STIs, and sexual health focusing on Black women and girls, and aims to empower viewers with knowledge for maintaining optimal health and well-being.


Empower Girlfriends Podcast

Unshakable Strength: Empowering Black Women

The Girlfriends Podcast is a podcast dedicated to addressing the unshakable strength shown, and the unique health challenges faced by, Black women and girls, particularly in the context of HIV prevention.

Join us as we explore important topics such as sexual health, mental well-being, access to healthcare, and strategies for HIV prevention tailored to the needs of Black women and girls. Through insightful discussions, expert interviews, and personal stories, this podcast aims to empower Black women and girls to take control of their health, make informed decisions, and advocate for their well-being. Together, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma, and promote a healthier future for Black women everywhere.


Breaking Barriers: Empowering Black Women and Girls in Health and Wellness

In this on-demand Virtual Town Hall from the Empower Program, recorded during the International Conference on Stigma, experts provide valuable insights on mental health, reproductive health, sexual health, and access to equitable healthcare services for Black women and girls.

The panelists also address how stigma around these topics creates barriers to care for Black women and girls, as well as strategies for providers and communities to work towards equitable healthcare access and outcomes by reducing stigma. A Q&A session follows the discussion.

This Virtual Town Hall was held Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the International Conference on Stigma.

Receive Empower Updates

Black Women and HIV: Empowerment through Engagement, Education and Enrichment (Empower), a Gilead P.A.C.E. Project, focuses on HIV and STI prevention and care for Black women.

Join us for webinars, podcasts, blogs, arts opportunities, groups, mentoring, and more throughout the coming months.

Join Us
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