In the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, advocacy and policy work cannot wait for national efforts. Change must start at the state level. This is where AIDSWatch@Home steps in. A key initiative led by AIDS United, AIDSWatch@Home is designed to promote and raise public awareness by engaging local organizations and coalitions to promote meaningful legislative action on HIV/AIDS.
The Purpose Behind AIDSWatch@Home
At its core, AIDSWatch@Home is about sustaining momentum in the fight against HIV/AIDS through state legislatures.
Through programmatic grant support from Merck, the program is tailored to state organizations and coalitions committed to advocacy efforts within their local communities. By collaborating with these organizations and coalitions, AIDSWatch@Home seeks to ensure HIV/AIDS policy remains a priority for state lawmakers.
Through this initiative, selected organizations are empowered with financial and strategic support to advocate for policies that protect and uplift the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. These advocacy efforts range from advocating for access to healthcare and treatment to combating stigma and discrimination, which ultimately leads to healthier and more equitable communities.
2024-2025 Selected States and Leading Organizations
This year, AIDSWatch@Home is proud to partner with organizations from eight states that are leading the charge in HIV/AIDS advocacy:
- Georgia
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New York
- California
- Louisiana
These organizations and coalitions were chosen through an application process and will receive direct resources and guidance from AIDS United’s Policy and Public Affairs Team to ensure their advocacy efforts are effective and sustainable.
How It Works:
Each selected state organization or coalition will use the provided grant to fund advocacy events designed to raise awareness and promote HIV/AIDS policies in their respective state legislatures. These events will offer opportunities to engage directly with statewide policymakers, educating them on critical needs of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and urging for a meaningful change.
In addition to financial backing, the AIDS United Policy and Public Affairs Team will provide hands-on guidance and resources. This includes strategic advice on organizing advocacy campaigns, engaging with legislators, and navigating the complex world of state policy. This is an opportunity for each organization to grow in their statewide advocacy efforts, which in return results in healthier local communities.
Why AIDSWatch@Home Matters
State-level policy is a critical battleground for the fight against HIV/AIDS. While federal policies lay a broad foundation, many of the most impactful decisions about healthcare, funding, and access to services happen in state legislatures. By empowering state organizations and coalitions to engage in advocacy activities in their own communities, AIDSWatch@Home ensures that the voices of people affected by HIV/AIDS are heard where it is most important.
This initiative is not just about policy change—it's about building a sustained, informed, and inclusive movement that addresses the real, on-the-ground challenges faced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Through AIDSWatch@Home, state-level advocates can innovate, connect with lawmakers, and lead the charge in shaping a future where everyone can access the care and support they need.
Join the Movement
If you are part of a state organization or coalition that is passionate about HIV/AIDS advocacy, we encourage you to apply for AIDSWatch@Home. Contact Sattie Nyachwaya, State Policy Manager at
snyachwaya@aidsunited.org. Together, we can continue to push for change, one state at a time, until we achieve fairness, just the world we all strive for.
