Stopping HIV Stigma Together

Together, We Can End HIV Stigma

Positive Resource Connection (PRC) is taking a stand to eliminate HIV stigma. Stigma and misinformation remain among the greatest barriers to ending the HIV epidemic. By working together, we can foster understanding, promote acceptance, and ultimately end new cases of HIV.

What Are HIV Stigma and Discrimination?

HIV stigma refers to negative attitudes or beliefs about people living with HIV. For example, assuming someone with HIV is irresponsible or avoiding physical contact because of unfounded fears about transmission perpetuates stigma. Discrimination occurs when these attitudes translate into actions, such as denying someone housing, employment, or medical care simply because they are HIV-positive.

Misinformation fuels stigma. It’s important to know the facts:

• HIV is not spread through casual contact. You cannot get HIV by hugging, shaking hands, sharing utensils, or being around someone’s saliva, sweat, or tears.
• HIV is spread through specific body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. For transmission to occur, these fluids must come into contact with a mucous membrane, damaged tissue, or be directly injected into the bloodstream.

Advances in modern treatment have changed the course of HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, meaning a person with HIV who is undetectable cannot transmit it sexually—this is known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). Understanding these facts is crucial to ending stigma and supporting individuals living with HIV.

Why Ending HIV Stigma Matters

HIV stigma creates barriers. It prevents people from getting tested, seeking treatment, and living openly, which perpetuates transmission and deepens isolation. Ending stigma fosters a compassionate community where everyone feels supported and empowered to take steps toward prevention and care.

At the PRC, our programs are making a tangible impact:

• 95% of our nearly 400 clients living with HIV maintain an undetectable viral load, which prevents transmission and protects their health. Nationally, only 65% achieve this milestone (CDC).
• Our PrEP Navigation team supports 213 clients using medication to prevent HIV, stopping new cases before they start.
• Through 343 Street Outreach, Education, and Testing programs, we reached 5,351 individuals last year—providing life-saving resources and testing while normalizing conversations around HIV.

These achievements are only possible because of our incredible community of supporters. Thanks to our donors, we’ve raised $178,000 this year—our highest total since 2019—representing nearly 10% of our annual budget. Together, we’re building a compassionate, stigma-free community that helps eliminate barriers to care and ultimately ends HIV.

Take the Pledge to Stop HIV Stigma

This December, we invite you to take the CDC’s Stop HIV Stigma pledge. Stop by our office anytime during business hours to fill out a pledge card and commit to spreading awareness, sharing facts, and supporting acceptance. Completed pledge cards will be displayed in our lobby to highlight our community’s solidarity and dedication to ending stigma.

Need more incentive to stop HIV stigma? Come to the Positive Resource Connection (525 Oxford Street) on Monday, December 2, 9 or 16 for a free HIV test, fill out a pledge card, and receive a prize as a thank-you for your participation!

HIV testing empowers you to take control of your health by knowing your status. No matter your result, it provides the information you need to take the next step—starting treatment or focusing on prevention. We’re here to help.

More Ways To Get Involved

Let’s work together to create a world without stigma or HIV. By spreading awareness, increasing access to testing, supporting prevention and treatment efforts, and fostering compassion, we can break down the barriers created by stigma and misinformation. Together, we make a difference.