The Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) commemorated National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7 by hosting a Live with Leadership conversation that highlighted the importance of health equity, community engagement, a syndemic approach to infectious diseases such as HIV and mpox, and the intersection between mental health and HIV. The dialogue between federal leaders and a creative partner from an HHS national viral suppression campaign was rich, honest, and inspiring.

WatchExit Disclaimer the recording of the conversation.

Timothy P. Harrison, Ph.D., Principal Deputy Director, OIDP, moderated the conversation between Kaye Hayes, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infectious Disease; Director of OIDP; and Executive Director of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA); Harold Phillips, MRP, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy; and Ashley Cason, a creative partner from the “I am a Work of ART” campaign. As the conversation unfolded, other topics such as the federal response to HIV in Black communities were examined.

As Mr. Phillips recapped progress made in efforts to end the HIV epidemic, he discussed the core set of indicators, which include quality of life indicators, for people with HIV that are included in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) Federal Implementation Plan. As he emphasized the importance of getting people with HIV into medical care and treatment, he also acknowledged the barriers that sometimes exist for Black and African American communities in achieving this. “[T]hings like housing and transportation, mental health, employment, and the quality of life indicators give us an opportunity to really think comprehensively about […] things that sometimes get in the way of good medical care.” Dr. Harrison also referenced the NHAS and how it added additional areas of concern, such as racism and its effects on public health and other ‘isms’ that confound efforts to end the HIV epidemic.

WatchExit Disclaimer the conversation to hear more from the panelists as they discuss the role of mental health in Black communities and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help. Follow HIV.gov for future Live with Leadership conversations about upcoming awareness days and other important topics of interest to the HIV community.