Five Horizons leverages grassroots & coalition advocacy efforts to educate public officials at the local, state, and national levels in order to support people living with HIV & address the root causes of transmission. The FHHS advocacy program is dedicated to building power among community members impacted by HIV and allies to advance public policies that support:
- Ending the Epidemic
- Ending HIV & STI stigma
- Expanding access to PrEP & PEP
- Protecting funding for prevention & treatment
- Building a healthier, more compassionate Deep South
While you may not hear about it as much in the news. HIV still impacts our communities.
16,500
people currently living with HIV in Alabama
20%
of people living with HIV don't know their status
12,100
people currently living with HIV in Mississippi
$510,000
saved by each averted HIV infection
Science has given us the tools to stop new transmissions.
Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U)
With one pill, once per day (or an injection every few months), people living with HIV can reduce the level of the virus so low that it cannot be sexually transmitted to their partners.
Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
Modern, highly-effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) controls HIV so well that sustained treatment has become one of the most powerful tools for preventing new transmissions.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
With one pill, once per day (or an injection every few months), people who have indications for contracting HIV can protect themselves against transmission.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (occupational) and nPEP (non-occupational) regimens can prevent HIV transmission if started within 72 hours of an exposure - such as a needle stick or sexual assault.
And we have an evidence-based plan to leverage those tools to End the Epidemic…
Diagnose
Diagnose all people living with HIV as early as possible
Treat
Treat people with HIV rapidly and effectively to reach sustained viral suppression
Prevent
Prevent new HIV transmissions by using proven interventions, including PrEP and syringe services programs (SSPs)
Respond
Respond quickly to potential HIV outbreaks to get vital prevention and treatment services to people who need them
But there remain barriers and resources are unequal across our communities.
Stigma & Discrimination
Stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS creates significant barriers in the fight to end the epidemic by discouraging individuals from getting tested, seeking treatment, and disclosing their status. Fear of discrimination and social isolation often leads to misinformation and a lack of support, preventing open conversations and education about the virus. This stigma hampers prevention efforts and perpetuates the spread of HIV, making it harder to achieve public health goals.
HIV Criminalization
HIV criminalization hinders the fight to end HIV by stoking fear, which can deter individuals from getting tested, disclosing their status, or seeking treatment. Laws that unfairly penalize people living with HIV without taking into account medical science create a culture of secrecy and mistrust. This ultimately makes it more difficult to prevent new infections since less people are in treatment because more people are afraid to know their status.
Poverty
HIV and poverty are deeply interconnected, with poverty hindering the fight against HIV by limiting access to healthcare, education, and other essential resources. Individuals experiencing poverty often face barriers which can prevent them from getting tested, receiving treatment, or adhering to medication regimens. This creates a cycle of vulnerability, increasing the risk of HIV transmission and exacerbating health disparities within affected communities.
Transportation
Lack of transportation poses a major barrier, particularly in rural areas. Individuals without reliable transportation may struggle to reach clinics or pharmacies, leading to missed appointments and inconsistent medication adherence. This contributes to delayed viral suppression, perpetuating the spread of HIV in underserved communities. Additionally, the inability to attend support groups or educational programs limits access to resources & critical peer support.
Housing
Lack of stable housing increases vulnerability and instability for individuals living with HIV. People without secure housing often struggle to access healthcare, adhere to treatment, and keep regular medical appointments. Unstable living conditions can lead to heightened stress, reduced access to nutrition, and a greater likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Housing instability contributes to higher rates of transmission and poorer health outcomes.
You can play a crucial role helping Five Horizons break down these barriers to secure people-powered public policies!
Contact Elected Officials
FHHS provides training & support to clients, staff, and community members who seek to influence decision-making and promote accountability by contacting their public officials via phone, mail, email, or in-person.
Lead Local Trainings & Discussions
One of the most powerful tools for breaking down stigma and increasing awareness is bringing this message home with educational sessions and conversations that share knowledge, build skills, and foster dialogue about HIV in your local community.
AIDS Watch in DC
Each year, staff and clients participate in AIDSWatch in Washington, D.C. This event brings together hundreds of advocates from more than 30 states. In-person meetings are held with House and Senate offices, discussing the changes needed to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S.
AL HIV Advocacy Day in Montgomery
Each year staff and clients participate in HIV Advocacy Day in Montgomery, Alabama’s state capital. Staff, clients, board members and supporters of Alabama’s AIDS Service Organizations converge in Montgomery to advocate for HIV-related funding. Clients, many of whom are inexperienced in advocacy, receive specialized training on how to effectively interact with legislators, how to clearly state what the needs of the HIV community are, and how to make ‘the ask’.
MS HIV Advocacy Day in Jackson
Five Horizons joins in coalition with Mississippi’s AIDS Service Organizations to descend on Jackson, Mississippi’s state capital, each legislative session. With support from staff, clients, and board members from across the state, Advocacy Day provides an opportunity to educate Mississippi legislators about our community’s unique issues.
Join us and take action!
The FAN
Joining the FHHS Advocacy Network (FAN) is a great low-barrier, low-commitment way to get more involved in local, state, and federal advocacy efforts! By signing up, you are simply agreeing to receive periodic emails from us with opportunities to get engaged.
Action Alerts
Targeted action alerts give you the chance to make your voice heard by contacting lawmakers, signing petitions, or sharing information to help build support around beneficial policies and to help fight back against harmful proposals.
Visit Ajani groups
‘Ajani’ is an African word meaning ‘He who wins the struggle.’ In these groups, community supporters eat lunch, fellowship, and play games with clients.
The goals of the groups are to:
- reduce stigma in the local community by creating a dialogue between client and the community at-large
- allow clients access to a constant stream of supporters to improve their perceptions of social support
Five Horizons makes efforts to reduce HIV stigma in the local community through Ajani Groups.
Numerous churches, student groups, and civic clubs have participated in Ajani. Individuals also attend. Groups are generally held at noon on the second Thursday of each month.
Ajani Interest
Interested in learning more about joining an Ajani Group in your community? Fill out the form below to get started!