Gilead Foundation Awards $12 Million to Empower Community Health Workers and Expand HIV Prevention Initiatives Across 14 States and the District of Columbia

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Key Terms

community health worker medical

Community health workers are trained local staff who provide basic health education, check-ins, and referrals, acting as a bridge between patients and formal medical services—like neighborhood customer-service representatives for health. Investors should care because these workers can lower care costs, improve patient access and outcomes, and boost the effectiveness and scalability of health programs and services, which in turn affects demand, reimbursement, and the financial performance of healthcare providers and payers.

HIV medical

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that gradually damages the body's infection-fighting system and can lead to serious illness if not treated. For investors, HIV matters because progress or setbacks in tests, treatments, or vaccines can change demand for medicines, affect regulatory approvals and patent value, and shift healthcare spending—similar to how a major technology breakthrough can reshape an entire industry’s market prospects.

STIs medical

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are illnesses passed through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites; they range from short-lived infections to long-term conditions that need ongoing care. Investors watch STIs because their prevalence and public-health responses drive steady demand for diagnostics, treatments, vaccines and prevention programs—similar to how recurring household needs support predictable markets—affecting sales, regulatory reviews and long-term revenue potential in health-sector companies.

biopharmaceutical medical

A biopharmaceutical is a medicine made from living organisms or their components—such as proteins, cells or genetic material—rather than chemically synthesized compounds. For investors, these products can command high prices and long patent protection but also carry bigger development, manufacturing and regulatory risks; think of them like handcrafted, high-tech products that can generate strong returns if they work, but are costly and complex to produce.

03/02/2026 - 08:30 AM

– Grants to Strengthen Prevention Models and Local Systems of Care Nationwide –

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gilead Foundation today announced a $12 million investment in 33 community‑based organizations across 14 states and the District of Columbia through its Community Health Worker (CHW) Comprehensive HIV Prevention Initiative. This two‑year effort expands CHW‑led prevention models that strengthen knowledge, care navigation, and access to services for communities disproportionately affected by HIV.

“Community health workers are often the first and most trusted point of connection for people seeking information, support and care,” said Keeley Cain Wettan, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Legal and Compliance at Gilead Sciences and a Board Member of Gilead Foundation. “Advancing HIV prevention requires both medical innovation and strong, community-led systems that address the social and structural barriers people face every day. By investing in community-based organizations, we’re helping expand access to trusted information, screenings, and culturally responsive care that can drive more equitable health outcomes.”

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.

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.

Philadelphia‑based grantee Bebashi – Transition to Hope, which works to advance health equity in the communities it serves, shared its enthusiasm for the initiative. “Bebashi is ecstatic to receive this grant from Gilead Foundation which will strengthen our efforts through the Community Health Worker Initiative,” said Frank Franklin, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.H., FCPP, Chief of Strategic Initiatives. “Community health worker professionals complement Bebashi’s mission of community responsiveness and holistic support.”

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

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. “When communities are supported, informed, and empowered, pathways to hope become pathways to healing,” said Jeffrey Campbell, Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission to end the HIV epidemic in the greater Houston area will be significantly bolstered through this funding.”

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.

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

About the Gilead Foundation

The Gilead Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to create a thriving health ecosystem. The Gilead Foundation takes a holistic approach to mitigate the root causes of health inequities by providing resources to organizations that empower people with the skills to be their own best advocate and create systems of support that strengthen communities, classrooms and workplaces

About Gilead Sciences

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.

For more information about Gilead, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com, follow Gilead on X/Twitter (@Gilead Sciences) and LinkedIn (@Gilead-Sciences).