Foster City, Calif. — March 2, 2026 — Leads & Copy — Gilead Foundation is investing $12 million in 33 community-based organizations across 14 states and the District of Columbia through its Community Health Worker (CHW) Comprehensive HIV Prevention Initiative. The two‑year effort aims to expand CHW‑led prevention models that strengthen knowledge, care navigation, and access to services for communities disproportionately affected by HIV.
The initiative also strengthens organizational infrastructure and CHW training systems to build sustainable, locally driven HIV‑prevention networks. It prioritizes communities most impacted by HIV—including Black and Latino communities who have sex with men (MSM); cisgender and transgender women; people who inject drugs; and youth—by delivering tailored education and prevention services.
According to Keeley Cain Wettan, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Legal and Compliance at Gilead Sciences and a Board Member of Gilead Foundation, community health workers are often the first and most trusted point of connection for people seeking information, support, and care. Wettan added that advancing HIV prevention requires both medical innovation and strong, community-led systems that address the social and structural barriers people face every day, and that by investing in community-based organizations, Gilead is helping expand access to trusted information, screenings, and culturally responsive care.
Philadelphia‑based grantee Bebashi – Transition to Hope, which works to advance health equity in the communities it serves, shared its enthusiasm for the initiative. Frank Franklin, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.H., FCPP, Chief of Strategic Initiatives, said that Bebashi is ecstatic to receive this grant from Gilead Foundation which will strengthen their efforts through the Community Health Worker Initiative. Franklin added that community health worker professionals complement Bebashi’s mission of community responsiveness and holistic support.
Grantee Allies in Hope, a Houston‑based nonprofit providing HIV prevention, testing, and supportive services to communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, emphasized the role of connection in prevention. Jeffrey Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, said that when communities are supported, informed, and empowered, pathways to hope become pathways to healing and that their mission to end the HIV epidemic in the greater Houston area will be significantly bolstered through this funding.
Over the next two years, funded organizations will work to:
- Expand integrated screening for HIV, STIs, mental health, and substance use
- Deliver targeted HIV prevention education
- Connect people to services, including HIV prevention, harm reduction resources, and other supportive care
- Reduce stigma and strengthen community engagement through trusted massagers
Many programs will also strengthen the community health workforce through peer navigator models, apprenticeships, pharmacy‑based training, and community health integration across care settings, building long‑term capacity beyond the grant period.
The 33 recipient organizations represent a diverse range of communities facing ongoing HIV prevention challenges. Awardees demonstrate strong community trust, thoughtful program design, and clear plans for measurable impact. Many will use culturally aligned approaches such as promotores models, support, and navigation services within Latino communities, along with peer ambassadors and youth‑focused programming.
Grantees
Alabama: Five Horizons Health Service, Thrive Alabama
Arizona: Association (NPhA), Prisma Community Care, National Pharmaceutical
California: Bienestar Human Services, Realistic Education in Action Coalition to Foster Health (R.E.A.C.H. LA), St. John’s Community Health, The TransLatin@ Coalition
Colorado: Servicios de La Raza
Florida: LGBT+ Center Orlando, Oceana Community Health, Inc, Prevention 305, The Poverello Center, Inc.
Georgia: NAESM, Inc
Illinois: Chicago Family Clinic, Inc
Louisiana: CrescentCare
Michigan: Community Health Awareness Group (CHAG)
New York: Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, Voces Latinas Corporation, Cicatelli Associates, Inc. (CAI) programs nationwide, Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), Trillium Health, Inc
Ohio: Equitas Health
Pennsylvania: Bebashi – Transition to Hope, Mazzoni Center
Texas: Abounding Prosperity, Inc., Allies in Hope, Prism Health North Texas, PILLAR, Resource Center of Dallas, Inc.
Washington, DC: La Clínica del Pueblo, Inc., Whitman-Walker Health
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer and inflammation. In 2025, Gilead announced a planned $32 billion investment to further strengthen its U.S. footprint to power the next era of discovery, job creation and public health preparedness – while continuing to invest globally to ensure patients everywhere benefit from its scientific innovation. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, Calif.
Source: Gilead Sciences
