In an inspiring and community-driven effort, Alabama State University (ASU) partnered with ViiV Healthcare during its 2024 Homecoming to address a pressing public health issue: HIV prevention and awareness.
The Importance of HIV Awareness at HBCUs
The partnership between ASU and ViiV Healthcare is more than just a health campaign; it’s a targeted response to a growing epidemic that disproportionately affects Black communities, especially in the southern United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50 percent of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. occur in the southern region. Within this demographic, young people aged 13 to 24 — particularly from Black and Brown communities — are at an increased risk, with nearly 50 percent of new HIV cases in this age group affecting Black youth.
For Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like ASU, which have a strong cultural influence and close-knit communities, homecoming events provide a unique opportunity to raise awareness and reduce stigma around HIV.
BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dr. Alftan Dyson, PharmD, Regional Medical Lead and US DEI Medical Engagement Lead at ViiV Healthcare to discuss the pivotal role of this initiative.
“It was a way to partner with HBCUs, particularly those in the South, because the South is where both the HIV epidemic and the majority of new diagnoses are concentrated. The U.S. government has identified certain ‘Ending the Epidemic’ territories, and Alabama is one of the seven states fully included in that designation because of the disproportionate impact of HIV,” Dr. Dyson shares. “We also know that new HIV diagnoses are particularly prevalent in Black and Brown communities. So, it felt like a great opportunity to really target prevention and awareness initiatives on HBCU campuses.”
Activations and Initiatives: Merging Fun and Public Health
The 2024 Homecoming at ASU was packed with events aimed at seamlessly integrating HIV awareness into the festive atmosphere. The major activations included:
- Free Rapid HIV Testing: Rapid testing services were available throughout the weekend, including during high-traffic events like the student concert featuring artist Sexxy Red. Mobile testing units, provided by local partners such as Rising Health Services, were conveniently placed outside venues, making it easy for students and attendees to get tested.
- HIV Awareness Videos: During the concert and football game, short videos promoting HIV prevention were shown to capture the attention of the audience. These videos emphasized the importance of testing and care, especially for young Black Americans.
- Tailgate Activations: Tailgating is a major part of HBCU culture, and this year, ASU’s tailgating zone also became a hub for HIV education. Through fun activities and free testing, attendees could engage in meaningful discussions about sexual health in a relaxed environment.
- Sting Stage Performances: Between musical performances by Chelsea Green and The Green Project, and Logan the Entertainer, step show winners, and appearances by ASU’s theatre and dance programs, health education was seamlessly woven into the entertainment. By embedding critical information into these events, ASU and ViiV Healthcare created a space where attendees could have open conversations about HIV without the usual stigma.
“It helps make the conversation about HIV less daunting. Over the weekend, we focused on care and education, talking about sexual health and wellness, HIV prevention, and the services available. We provided free testing right on-site, during Homecoming activities, to say, ‘Hey, this is just part of everyday life.’ It’s something we should talk about freely and openly, in a comfortable way,” Dr. Dyson notes.
Tackling HIV Stigma in Black Communities
One of the core aims of this partnership is to break down the stigma surrounding HIV testing and diagnosis in Black communities. Rather than treating HIV testing as a serious and intimidating process, it becomes part of the overall wellness experience at a time when attendees are relaxed and open to learning.
“I think when we’re talking about where’s the best place to have these kinds of conversations — which often carry a lot of stigma — it’s important to do it in a space where people are already comfortable. Homecoming is a time when people let their guard down a bit, and bringing the conversation into that environment helps. People are feeling good, they’re in a familiar and welcoming space, and this helps ease the stigma,” Dr. Dyson adds.
The Role of Prevention: PrEP and Other Solutions
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is another key tool in preventing HIV, especially among those at higher risk.
“PrEP — or pre-exposure prophylaxis — has been available for almost 12 years now. It’s an HIV prevention medication, but we know that the people who could benefit the most, especially in Black communities, aren’t always accessing it due to a lack of awareness and access,” Dr. Dyson says. “That’s why being on campus, having these conversations, and bringing in local community partners who provide PrEP and education was so important. It shows students that there are local resources available. We brought in local partners to make sure these services would continue to be accessible even beyond Homecoming.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Partnership
The success of this initiative at ASU has inspired conversations about expanding to other HBCUs. ViiV Healthcare is exploring ways to bring similar activations to other campuses, tailoring the events to each school’s unique community needs.
“We believe it’s important to keep expanding on this partnership and to reach other HBCUs. As the only pharmaceutical company solely focused on HIV, ViiV Healthcare is committed to being there until HIV is no longer a threat. Showing up where the community is — especially in communities disproportionately impacted — and having authentic conversations in a welcoming way is crucial for us,” Dr. Dyson adds.
To learn more about HIV prevention, resources, and local support services, visit HIVpreventionforus.com.
