In a heartfelt and visionary effort to bridge faith, healing, and public health, ViiV Healthcare has been leading the charge to reimagine HIV care through cultural reconnection and spiritual affirmation.
ViiV’s most recent effort, ReViiVal to Care, launched in Chicago, is a groundbreaking initiative designed to meet Black and LGBTQ+ communities where they are — spiritually, culturally, and emotionally.
Disrupting Disparities with Culture-Centered Care
ViiV Healthcare is the only pharmaceutical company solely focused on HIV. The company’s external affairs team works to disrupt disparities in HIV care by amplifying voices often marginalized in traditional healthcare systems. This includes centering cultural and spiritual dynamics as critical components of public health strategies.
“We don’t want to leave any person behind who’s living with HIV,” Randevyn Piérre, Head, U.S. External Affairs at ViiV Healthcare, tells BlackDoctor.org. “We do that through programs, cultural initiatives, and giving work — all to empower the community to fight HIV in the ways that work best for them.”
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Why “ReViiVal to Care”?
Chicago was chosen for the ReViiVal to Care event not only because of its deeply rooted Black communities but also because of troubling HIV statistics in the area. According to Piérre, nearly 22,000 people live with HIV in Chicago, and 17 percent of new diagnoses are late-stage — a clear call to action.
But it was a study from Harvard Divinity School that lit a spiritual spark. The research highlighted how the faith of Black gay and bisexual men acts as a social driver of health, influencing decisions around HIV care. Recognizing that nearly 80 percent of Black Americans identify as Christian, Piérre and his team saw an urgent opportunity to use faith as a bridge instead of a barrier.
“Religion and spirituality have always been huge in the Black community,” Piérre adds. “We wanted to create a space where folks — especially those disconnected from HIV care — could reconnect spiritually and emotionally, and be inspired to reclaim their wellness.”
Faith, Testimony, and Triumph
ReViiVal to Care isn’t a conventional health event — it’s a spiritual gathering infused with storytelling, worship, and community empowerment. During the event, which took Place July 6 at the Promontory in Chicago, attendees heard from people thriving with HIV who shared stories of resilience, reconciliation with their faith, and empowerment. Leaders like Don Abram, Mariana Thomas and Reverend Steven Thurston and Dr. Keith Green brought history and hope to the stage, reminding attendees that living with HIV doesn’t diminish their worth or spiritual calling.
“When people hear stories that mirror their own, it ignites inspiration,” Piérre says. “That’s how we begin to shift stigma — by normalizing survival and thriving with HIV.”
Reaching the Underserved Through Trusted Spaces
ReViiVal to Care partners with churches, local leaders, and grassroots organizations to create culturally relevant and affirming spaces. It’s part of ViiV’s broader mission to work not only with healthcare providers but also with institutions of culture, art, education, and now, explicitly, faith.
This community-first model ensures HIV messaging resonates authentically and that care options feel accessible. “We listen to communities and empower them to lead,” Piérre emphasizes.
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What’s Next: Atlanta and Beyond
Following the success in Chicago, the next ReViiVal to Care will take place in Atlanta on August 31, during the city’s Pride celebrations. Looking ahead, Piérre hopes to take the revival to other high-need cities, while also leveraging captured media and stories to reach those who can’t attend in person.
“This isn’t a one-time event — it’s the start of something ongoing,” he says. “We want to continue showing up for communities and walking alongside them toward healing.”
U=U, Treatment Access, and Long-Term Care
One of ViiV’s core messages is U=U: Undetectable equals Untransmittable, a science-backed truth that empowers people living with HIV to know that with proper treatment, they cannot sexually transmit the virus. This game-changing understanding, coupled with a variety of treatment options (including long-acting injectable therapies), is helping rewrite the future of HIV care.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. People need treatment plans that match their lifestyle, personality, and body,” Piérre explains. “Long-term care begins with personalized, affirming treatment and support.”
Getting Connected
For those seeking care or support, ViiV Healthcare recommends visiting https://hivpreventionforus.com/ for resources on prevention, treatment, and local services. This platform provides guidance whether you’re newly diagnosed, returning to care, or supporting someone on their journey.
A Mission Until the Mission Is Done
“We have a saying at ViiV: we’re here until HIV isn’t,” Piérre says. “And that means showing up in every way — scientifically, spiritually, and culturally — to leave no one behind.”
Through initiatives like ReViiVal to Care, Randevyn Piérre and ViiV Healthcare are proving that healing goes beyond medicine. It includes community, culture, connection, and, above all, care.
What You Can Do to Get Connected and Stay Empowered
For people living with HIV — or those at risk — taking the first step toward care and support can feel overwhelming. But ReViiVal to Care and partners like ViiV Healthcare are working to make that path easier and more affirming. Here are practical steps anyone can take:
1. Get Informed
- Visit HIV.gov or Let’s Stop HIV Together for up-to-date, judgment-free education.
- Learn about the science behind U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) — knowledge is power.
2. Talk to a Trusted Healthcare Provider
- Find a doctor or clinic that makes you feel safe and respected. It’s okay to shop around until you find the right fit.
- Ask about treatment options that fit your life, including long-acting injectables and once-daily pills.
3. Join a Support Network
- Seek out local community groups, online forums, or peer support programs. You’re not alone.
- Organizations like The Well Project and local LGBTQ+ centers often offer support specifically for Black and queer communities.
4. Reconnect with Your Spiritual Wellness
- If faith is part of your life, find spaces — like ReViiVal to Care — where your full identity is embraced.
- Consider connecting with affirming faith leaders or groups that blend healing with hope.
5. Stay Consistent, Stay Empowered
- Adherence to treatment is key to viral suppression and living a long, healthy life.
- Celebrate your progress and check in with your care team regularly.
