A devastating proposal is currently making its way through Washington via the Trump administration’s DOGE office: the potential elimination of federal funding for HIV prevention programs. If enacted, these cuts would shut down the CDC’s HIV prevention division, halting federally funded initiatives that have saved countless lives.
This is not an exaggeration—this is a crisis in the making.
At LGBT Life Center, we have spent over 20 years building and expanding HIV prevention programs that directly serve the Hampton Roads community. Annually, we provide over 2,500 free HIV and STI tests, as well as PrEP access, care navigation, and sexual health education—all critical tools in the fight to end the HIV epidemic. These services are only possible because of federal funding dedicated to public health.
But our work extends beyond testing and prevention. When someone walks through our doors, they often need more than an HIV test. Many face housing insecurity, food scarcity, intimate partner violence, and mental health challenges. Because of the funding we receive, we can connect them to comprehensive care, support services, and community resources—creating a safety net that uplifts individuals, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
The Real Cost of These Cuts
If the federal government eliminates HIV prevention funding:
🚨 Thousands in our community will lose access to free testing and sexual health education
🚨 PrEP services, a proven tool in preventing HIV transmission, will become harder to access
🚨 LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities, who already face barriers to healthcare, will be disproportionately impacted
🚨 Organizations like LGBT Life Center will be forced to cut programs and staff—reducing lifesaving services at a time when they are needed most
The impact of these cuts would undo decades of progress. We know that HIV is preventable, and we have the tools to end new transmissions. But removing these resources doesn’t just stall progress—it threatens to reverse it, putting our communities at risk once again.
This Is an Emergency—Take Action Now
The federal government could defund HIV prevention as soon as tomorrow. We must act immediately to stop this attack on public health.
📢 Call Your Representatives & Senators NOW
☎️ Senate Switchboard: 202-224-3121
☎️ House of Representatives Switchboard: 202-225-3121
Find your Congressional representatives here.
Call/Email Script (Use Your Own Words or This Template)
Hello [Representative’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent and an advocate for LGBTQ+ health and HIV prevention.
I’m calling/writing to express my strong opposition to any proposed cuts to the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention—a decision that would have devastating public health consequences for years to come.
For LGBTQ+ organizations like LGBT Life Center, federal funding supports HIV testing, PrEP services, and health education—lifesaving efforts that have significantly reduced new HIV cases. Cutting these funds will disproportionately harm marginalized communities and undo decades of progress in the fight to end the HIV epidemic.
If your organization receives CDC funding, you can add:
“My organization provides HIV care and prevention services, and this cut would eliminate $[Amount of CDC Funding] in resources, affecting over [Number of Clients Served] people in our community. Without this funding, thousands will lose access to testing, prevention, and treatment services.”
I urge you to oppose any cuts to HIV prevention and treatment programs and publicly affirm your commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S.
Thank you for your time.
Use Your Voice on Social Media
📢 AIDS United has created a social media toolkit with sample posts and graphics to help amplify this issue. Use it here and encourage your networks to act!
🏛 Congress is in recess—meaning representatives are back in their home districts. Consider attending local town halls and community events to ask them directly about their stance on HIV prevention funding. Find local events here.
What Comes Next?
We won’t sugarcoat it—this is terrifying. These proposed cuts are an attack on public health and LGBTQ+ communities. The consequences will be immediate and severe, affecting both those who rely on these services and the dedicated professionals who provide them.
At LGBT Life Center, our leadership and Board of Directors are actively monitoring the situation, advocating for funding, and exploring every possible way to minimize harm to our staff and clients. We are committed to transparency and will keep our community informed as we learn more.
Stay informed. Speak out. Fight back.
We cannot let 20 years of progress be erased. Our community’s health, safety, and future are on the line.
💜 Stay strong, stay informed, and let’s fight back together.
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