For Immediate Release
HIV Advocates Mobilize on Capitol Hill to Protect Lifesaving Programs
Over 500 advocates are expected to gather in Washington, D.C. for AIDSWatch to advocate for HIV programs and policy priorities.
March 12, 2025, Washington, D.C. – AIDSWatch, the oldest and largest constituent-led HIV federal advocacy event in the country, will bring together hundreds of HIV advocates and allies in Washington, D.C. from March 31, 2025, to April 2, 2025, to push for policies that will end the HIV epidemic.
More than 500 advocates from across the United States and its territories will participate in over 200 congressional meetings, urging lawmakers to protect and expand HIV- related policies and programs. This year’s AIDSWatch comes at a critical time, as proposed federal budget cuts threaten essential programs such as Medicaid and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program—lifelines for people living with HIV.
Founded 32 years ago by a small group of dedicated advocates, AIDSWatch has grown into a national movement that demonstrates the power of collective action between people impacted by HIV and their congressional leaders. The event plays a key role in advancing the goal of ending the epidemic in the United States by 2030.
AIDSWatch 2025 Theme: “Preserving our Health and PrEParing for the Future!”
This year’s theme underscores the urgent need to protect existing HIV services while expanding access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and other prevention tools. It signals our commitment to health equity and ensuring that all voices—especially those of people living with and affected by HIV—are heard in the fight to end the epidemic. Over the course of three days, AIDSWatch participants will receive advocacy training from leading experts, engage with policy makers, and champion national policies to advance HIV care and prevention for the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States. AIDSWatch is presented by AIDS United, in partnership with the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus (the HIV Caucus) and the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, with major support from Gilead Sciences, Merck Pharmaceuticals and other benefactors.
AIDS United spokespersons available for interviews:
Jesse Milan Jr.,JD, President & CEO, AIDS United
Carl Baloney Jr., CEO-Elect, AIDS United
Athena Cross,DrPH Vice President & Chief Program Officer, AIDS United
AIDSWatch events that are open to media participation:
Monday, March 31, 2025
AIDSWatch Welcome Reception
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel (2800 Potomac Avenue, Arlington, VA 2023)
Presented by the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus. 500 individuals are expected to attend as the Caucus presents their annual Persistent Advocate Awards to Dr. Daniel Driffin & Shekinah Rose.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Opening Plenary for AIDSWatch 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel (2800 Potomac Avenue, Arlington, VA 22202)
AIDSWatch 2025 will officially kick off with remarks from Carl Baloney, Jr., CEO-elect of AIDS United. Over 500 participants will receive advocacy training and learn about AIDS United’s 2025 policy priorities. The plenary will feature keynote speakers, including:
- Tori Cooper, U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus
- Dafina Ward, Southern AIDS Coalition
- Rachel Klein, The AIDS Institute
- Omar Martínez González, AIDS Foundation Chicago
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
AIDSWatch Congressional Awards Reception
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Rayburn Foyer, Rayburn House Office Building (45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20515)
Hosted by AIDSWatch planning partners and Congressional host, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, this reception will celebrate HIV champions in Congress and the community. AIDS United will present the Congressional Leadership Awards to:
- Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02)
- Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02)
- Representative Delia Ramirez (IL-03)
Additionally, the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus will present the Castro Bojorquez Positive Leadership Awards to longtime HIV advocates Kamaria Laffrey and Antoinette Jones.
AIDSWatch events that are open to media participation:
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
AIDSWatch Rally and Hill Day
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
U.S. Capitol Grounds
Over 500 advocates are expected to rally on Capitol Hill before meetings with congressional lawmakers about national-level policies that will help end the HIV epidemic.
For full details on AIDSWatch 2025 plenaries, receptions, policy priorities, and more, visit www.aidsunited.org/aidswatch. For media inquiries or questions, please contact AIDS United’s Communications Department at communications@aidsunited.org.
About AIDSWatch: AIDSWatch is presented by AIDS United, in partnership with the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation and the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus. AIDSWatch is the largest federal HIV advocacy event of its kind. Participants are trained in practical advocacy skills and how best to share this information with policymakers and their communities. After training, participants meet with members of Congress to share their personal stories about the impact of current policies on their community and to highlight the importance of meaningful involvement of people living with HIV. Learn more at www.aidsunited.org/aidswatch.
About AIDS United: AIDS United is committed to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States (U.S.) through strategic grantmaking, advocacy, and capacity building. Through our pillars of strategic grantmaking, capacity building and technical assistance, policy and advocacy. AIDS United has delivered more than $160 million in direct funding and leveraged an additional $184 million to increase the capacity of communities and organizations responding to the HIV epidemic across the U.S. Our grantees and members touch communities representing more than 96 percent of today’s HIV epidemic and we have proudly supported the work of over 600 organizations across 43 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit www.aidsunited.org to learn more about our work.
