City of Columbus

Your voice is powerful — use it! Be an HIV Ally. 

The stigma surrounding HIV continues to be an issue as we work to prevent transmission and end the epidemic.  But HIV allies across Columbus are stepping up to help break through the stigma and become advocates for HIV education, understanding, and treatment. Why? Because stigma is often one of the main reasons that prevent people from accessing the HIV resources or treatment they need. 

So, who can be an HIV ally? Anyone! HIV allies are uniting all over Columbus, including health care providers, public health partners, influencers, and families and friends of people affected by HIV. But we need more to make the most significant impact. 

How to be an HIV ally

Together, we can fight the stigma and create a safe community where those living with HIV are treated with dignity and respect. Below are some simple things you can do to be an ally and advocate for people affected by HIV in your community.

• Recognize that stigma disproportionately affects people based on gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity, gender identity, drug use, or sex work
• Download our fact sheet to learn more about HIV (Spanish version here)
• Have fearless conversations about HIV and the stigma attached to it, using supportive and compassionate language (Spanish version here)
• Speak up when you hear misconceptions about HIV
• Share your knowledge with friends and family
• Speak up and show your support on social media
• Learn about the decriminalization of HIV laws
• Become a social media influencer for the campaign

Share your story and become an influencer

Influence is everything, and the more people we have sharing their stories about HIV — the more we can fight the stigma attached to it. Speak up, share your story, and become an influencer for the Know HIV No Fear campaign.

Become an influencer! Email us at [email protected]

Volunteer and advocacy opportunities

How can you help achieve a healthier and more equitable community? Take action and get involved. Reach out to the following organizations for volunteer and advocacy opportunities.

• Equitas Health: Serving the underserved and providing care for all is the mission of Equitas Health.
• Stonewall: A mission and vision to increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community so we can see a community where ALL of US thrive.
• Kaleidoscope Youth Center: The longest-standing organization in Ohio solely dedicated to serving and supporting queer youth. 
• African American Male Wellness Walk: A mission to increasing the life expectancy of African American men in physical health, mental health, financial health, fatherhood, and research.
• Join the Central Ohio HIV Planning Alliance (COHPA)

Find an ally in health care An ally in health care is more than a provider who gives you a check-up, writes a prescription, and sends you on your way. An ally is invested in your entire health and well-being — just like you! A health care ally is also someone you can trust and talk with openly, and who’s interested in helping you find treatment and prevention options that fit the way you want to live. Columbus has many allies in health care that envision a healthier community where everyone can access integrated medical care and supportive human services in a respectful setting — free of stigma and discrimination. If you’d like help getting connected to one of these providers, contact us at [email protected]