Newsletter from U.S. Business Action to End HIV, providing the latest actions from the coalition, together with other important news.
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Welcome to the July issue of The Action Report! In this edition, we're excited to welcome the new Director of U.S. Business Action to End HIV, Jen Butler. We’re also pleased to highlight stories of impact from National HIV Testing Day, share Coalition updates, and an exciting line-up of events this fall.
We're excited to welcome Jen Butler as the new Director of U.S. Business Action to End HIV. Jen joins the coalition from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, where she served as Senior Vice President of External Affairs and led communications, media, and partnership strategy.
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Jen Butler
Director
U.S. Business Action to End HIV
Throughout her career, she's built and integrated coalitions across government, corporate, and community stakeholders and turned that work into measurable impact. We asked Jen to share three important things to know about her.
1. I'm here to listen, learn, and build.
As I begin this new chapter with U.S. Business Action to End HIV, my first priority is to listen and learn from our members, partners, advocates, and communities. Together, we'll build on the strong foundation that already exists and continue strengthening this coalition for the work ahead.
2. I believe this is a winnable fight.
Throughout my career, I've learned that the most meaningful progress happens when organizations, sectors, and communities unite around a shared purpose. Lasting coalitions are built on trust, collaboration, and a commitment to bridging diverse perspectives. That's the approach I'll bring to this role as we deepen partnerships and advance our collective impact to help end the HIV epidemic.
3. This mission is deeply personal to me.
Ensuring the story of HIV reflects hope, progress, and possibility – not stigma – while helping end the epidemic is deeply personal to me. It is both a personal commitment and a professional responsibility to partner with and mobilize businesses alongside advocates and communities to accelerate the momentum this movement demands.
Member companies across the Coalition marked National HIV Testing Day with campaigns, community events, and stories that put testing, awareness, and stigma reduction front and center. Here are some highlights from across the coalition:
Beyond National HIV Testing Day, member companies kept the momentum going all summer, showing up on industry stages, releasing new research, and expanding access to care. Here's a look at how they're leading:
We are excited to host a happy hour at this year's U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) in Anaheim, CA, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. We look forward to gathering together member companies, HIV Leadership Advisory Council members, federal and public health leaders, and friends to connect and network. More details to come.
We will also be hosting a workshop, “Ready for Business? A Partnership Playbook for HIV Organizations” at USCHA. We hope you can join us. Stay tuned for the session date and details.
P.S. It’s not too late to register to attend USCHA! Late registration ends on Aug. 18.
We are excited to host the 4th Annual U.S. Business Action to End HIV Coalition Convening this fall on Nov. 18 and 19 in Washington, D.C. This year's event will spotlight this pivotal moment in our nation's fight to end HIV and convene leaders from policy, public health, and business to help inform the strategies that will guide the movement's next chapter. Stay tuned for more details.
This month, on behalf of the Government Relations & Public Affairs Cohort, the Coalition submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Office of Management and Budget on two proposed rules.
The letter to CMS shared concerns about how the “Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement Interim Final Rule” work requirements could affect continuity of care for people living with HIV, and encouraged continued engagement with the HIV care community.
The letter to OMB welcomed the proposed "Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance" rule's support for multi-year awards and more efficient funding practices, while underscoring the importance of ensuring federal HIV research and program funding continue to be awarded based on science and data rather than shifting to a more subjective or discretionary review.
Both letters reflect the business community's continued commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S., and the Coalition's willingness to engage with federal policymakers when doing so can help advance that goal.
The National Institutes of Health is offering a $1 million, two-phase prize for creative ideas that close the gap between long-acting HIV prevention and treatment products and the people who need them, tackling barriers like uptake, delivery, adherence, and access.
The challenge is open to researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and implementation science experts alike, making it a fit for member companies with R&D, innovation, or venture teams. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 6, 2026.
Trump Administration Puts Kibosh on HIV Prevention Funding
The Trump administration will not renew $46 million in direct federal funding for 96 community-based organizations that provide HIV testing, care linkage, and PrEP/PEP referrals, shifting those resources to state and local health departments instead. Losing this direct funding also threatens these groups' access to the 340B drug discount program, and advocates are pushing HHS and CDC leadership to reverse the decision as Congress debates further cuts to HIV prevention funding. (Roll Call)
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