OUR PEOPLE.
OUR SOLUTION.
WE THE PEOPLE…
WE THE PEOPLE…
[ OUR IMPACT ]
The reimagining of the Black AIDS Institute is rooted in a deep understanding: the HIV/AIDS crisis impacts our people—and therefore, so must the solution.
Self-love, self-advocacy, education, and holistic wellness are the cornerstones of our mission to eliminate stigma in our communities.
We are committed to fostering real, transformative conversations—centered on tangible forms of protection, honest dialogue around sexual health, and the fearless right to advocate for oneself.
[ OUR GOAL ]
Because prevention is the cure, the Black AIDS Institute delivers trusted resources, expands access to testing and treatment, and offers vital community support — leading with clarity, courage, and culture to end HIV.
[ OUR BOARD ]
Laura Hall
Marc Meecham
David Cook
George Striggs
Latrica Penny
Grazell R. Howard
[ EMERITUS BOARD ]
Danny Glover
Cornelius Baker
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Peter Bronlee
Donna Christensen
Jussie Smollett
Edward Sanders
[ WHY WE FIGHT ]
1.2 MILLION
people in the U.S. are living with HIV — about 1 in 7 don’t know their status, and 40% are Black, though Black people make up just 12% of the population!
In 2023, just 76% of people diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. received care, 55% stayed in care, and only 67% achieved viral suppression — showing how much more must be done to ensure every person gets the care they deserve.
ONLY 15%
of PrEP users in 2024 were Black individuals — though Black people account for 38% of new HIV diagnoses.
[ QUICK RESOURCES ]
When it comes to HIV/AIDS BAI center’s people first, protects wellness, honors faith, and builds pathways to freedom. This is about more than health; it’s about patriotism that ensures no one is left behind, and love that reminds us we’re all in this together!
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HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system over time.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV when the immune system is so compromised that “opportunistic infections” become more likely.
Treatment can prevent HIV from advancing to AIDS.
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HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, pre-ejaculatory fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk.
It is not spread through touching, kissing, sneezing, sharing utensils, toilet seats, or protected oral sex with a condom/dental dam.
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Some people have flu-like symptoms (rash, fever, chills); many have no symptoms at all.
The only way to know your status is to get tested (rapid finger-prick results in minutes; lab panels return in days).
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Consistent condom use during vaginal or anal sex
Regular testing for HIV and other STIs (HIV spreads more easily when STIs are present)
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis): a daily pill that reduces the risk of getting HIV by over 90% when taken consistently
Treatment (ART): people living with HIV who take treatment can reach an undetectable viral load
*U=U means Undetectable = Untransmittable.
If HIV is undetectable, it cannot be passed to sexual partners. Treatment keeps people healthy and stops the spread.
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The primary treatment for HIV is Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) — a combination of medicines that reduce the amount of HIV in the body. ART stops the virus from multiplying, helps people living with HIV stay healthy, and lowers the viral load to “undetectable” levels.
When HIV is undetectable, it’s also untransmittable (U=U) — meaning it cannot be passed to sexual partners. ART can also reduce the chance of mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding if managed with care.
ART does not cure HIV, but with consistent treatment, people can live long, healthy lives while preventing transmission.
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PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill (e.g., Truvada) for HIV-negative people that’s over 90% effective at preventing HIV when taken daily.
It reaches protective levels in about 20 days for vaginal tissues and 7 days for receptive anal sex.
Most users report no or mild, temporary side effects; rare effects (kidney/bone) typically resolve after stopping.
PrEP does not interfere with hormonal birth control or gender-affirming hormones per current evidence.
Get PrEP from your primary care or family planning provider (testing every 3 months to renew prescriptions).
Insurance usually covers it, and assistance programs are available. Find a provider at pleaseprepme.org or preplocator.org.
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Start with your provider or use pleaseprepme.org/preplocator.org to find one.
Most insurance covers PrEP; if cost is a barrier, look into Gilead Advancing Access and similar copay/assistance programs.
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Because of inequities—racism, sexism, stigma, gaps in housing, education, and healthcare access—not biology or behavior.
Trans women face especially high rates due to compounding discrimination and exclusion; research cited shows rates many times higher (e.g., ~49× vs. the general adult population), underscoring the need for culturally competent care.