Watch Latest FYI Video: OIDP’s Black Women’s Initiative: Purpose, Goals, and Intentions

HIV.gov is proud to share another update on the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy’s (OIDP) community-driven initiative aimed at improving the lives of Black women of cis and trans experience, the Black Women’s Initiative. Watch our latest FYI video to hear from the co-facilitators of the Initiative’s first partner consultation and its developments.

In the video, Tori Cooper, MPH, Director of Community Engagement, Human Rights Campaign, and Dafina Ward, JD, Executive Director, Southern AIDS Coalition, spoke with Jyl Martin, MPH, CHES, NHDP-BC, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service, Lead, OIDP Regional Engagement Teams and Marissa Robinson, DrPH, MPH, Health Equity Specialist, OIDP, about the groundwork laid during the Initiative’s first convening of thought leaders in Houston, TX. In providing an overview of the convening’s outcomes, including the establishment of goals and a statement of intent, Dafina shared that by centering the lived experiences of Black women, the nationally-coordinated initiative has six commitments. The commitments include promoting inclusive health care and investing in community-led solutions. Next, Tori shared the Initiative’s six priorities, focusing her comments on prevention, treatment, and whole-person care. Watch the video to hear the full conversation.

Dr. Robinson references the second convening of thought leaders, which took place July 30-31. The July convenings provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of a tailored and inclusive approach to ending the HIV epidemic among Black women, acknowledging the diverse experiences of both cis and trans women, respectively. Based on feedback from the March convening, specific action item suggestions and takeaways were gathered for each group, including sustainable collaboration for future progress. Watch for future blogs for more on the July event. Be sure to check out our previous blogs about the Black Women’s Initiative and stay tuned for more updates about this exciting HIV-focused initiative.