Feel Good Friday - AIDS United

December 1st is World AIDS Day and a good day to learn more about AIDS United.

Formed in 2011 as a merger between two organizations established in the 1980s, the mission of AIDS United is “to end the HIV epidemic in the United States.” They note on their website that the biggest obstacle to ending the HIV epidemic is a lack of health equity, which is why they focus on increasing both health equity and access to testing, prevention and treatment.

The work they do is divided into three areas. The first is capacity building for organizations working in the HIV sector. AIDS United provides community-based organizations with organizational management tools and other technical assistance so those groups can support people in their local communities.

The second area is focused on policy and advocacy. By uniting organizations from across the U.S. in their Public Policy Council, AIDS United brings people together to advocate for “the laws, policies and government programs that address health equity and increase HIV testing, prevention and treatment.”

The final area of focus is providing strategic grants to the organizations best situated to end the HIV epidemic in their communities. To date AIDS United has awarded $221 million dollars to groups working in 43 states, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Examples of programs these grants support “include, but are not limited to, syringe access, access to care, capacity-building, HIV prevention and advocacy.” You can find details on specific initiatives supported by AIDS United at this link. 

If you’d like to support AIDS United there are many ways to do so. Start by reviewing the HIV 101 section of their website to make sure you’re informed on how to prevent the transmission of HIV. Next, you can take action by contacting Congress on HIV-related policy issues or attending the advocacy event,  AIDSWatch, in March, 2024. Finally, you can help by making a donation and amplifying their work on social media. Like the AIDS United Facebook page, follow them on Instagram or TikTok, and subscribe to their YouTube channel