About the Campaign
The Someone You Know and Love Campaign was created by the Planning Council in order to send a message about hope, love and inclusion for those living with HIV in our community. The campaign’s message is that yes, someone you know, and love, is probably living with HIV and in order to destigmatize HIV, it is essential to bring humanity back to the issue, see people for who they are and listen to people’s stories and lived experiences. The central part of this campaign was a short documentary film that highlights several folks living with HIV, how they have dealt with personal stigma in their own lives and with their family and friends and how they continue to walk through their lives with dignity. The message is that people with HIV can and do live a completely healthy life and are able to participate in society just as anyone without HIV does.
Campaign Mission Statement
The campaign illuminates the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS by empowering people living with HIV to share their personal experience. These stories will be used to educate the general public and dispel harmful myths about people living with HIV. Our hope is our audiences will think about the people they know and love in their lives and realize they may already have a close relationship with someone living with HIV.
Campaign Activities & History
Official Campaign Launch at City Hall 2021
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In 2021, we officially launched the campaign in the City of Boston with a film screening and panel discussion moderated by then Mayor Kim Janey. Panelists were asked about their experiences in the filming process.
2022 National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment
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Three Planning Council members, 2 from the video, presented on the campaign and the film at the 2022 National Ryan White Conference, an annual conference hosted by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The film was shown, and they sat on a panel responding to questions about the film, campaign, and their experiences with stigma. This was a very big honor and an inspiring discussion.
Fenway Health AIDS Walk and Strides for Action
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Annually, the Someone You Know and Love Campaign creates a team to fundraise for Fenway Health for their annual AIDS Walk, now renamed to Strides for Action. The goal of Strides for Action is to come together for a 5K Walk/Fun Run to raise money for vital HIV and LGBTQIA+ health care and services at Fenway Health and AIDS Action. Learn more about Fenway Health and how you can get connected to their services here: Fenway Health
High School Storytelling Sessions
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We conducted four panels discussions and film screenings at two schools in Dorchester and South Boston. Panelists included film participants, their family members, and community members. The mission of these storytelling sessions was to have a discussion with high school students about HIV and HIV stigma. A pre and post test was conducted to test knowledge and awareness of HIV among the participants.
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Celebrating Insights and Addressing Disparities in HIV/AIDS Care Access
On February 7th, 2024 the Boston EMA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council, in collaboration with Suffolk University's Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion and the Black Student Union, hosted a thought-provoking and empowering event that shed light on the experiences of Black women navigating life with HIV/AIDS. The event took place at Suffolk University Law School, binging together Suffolk University faculty and students, as well as Planning Council staff and members.
The evening was dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women living with HIV/AIDS and addressing the intersectional disparities in care access that they often face. The event not only provided a platform for sharing personal stories but also emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges that Black women encounter in their journey with HIV/AIDS.
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This event, held on November 28th, 2023, from 5 - 7 PM at BU School of Dental Medicine, was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse community to celebrate the resilience and stories of individuals living with HIV.
Event Highlights:
Engaging Film Screening
Insightful Panel Discussion
Interactive Q&A Session
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Positive Messaging, Public Access
PCS staff and Consumer Committee worked with OutFront Media and the MBTA to procure advertising space within the city of Boston. The advertisements included digital live boards at high traffic MBTA stations (Park Street and Downtown Crossing), subway interior posters on the red and orange line trains, and a mobile network with selected geo-targets. The advertisements had a start date of January 15th, 2024, and were up for a duration of 8 weeks each. PCS and Consumer Committee members wanted to choose locations around the city most likely to reach their target populations, spread awareness, and promote the campaign. Impressions from the advertisements were tracked by PCS staff and monitored throughout the duration of the advertisement contracted.
Someone You Know and Love Campaign Year End Reports
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This was the first year of our campaign applied for and received Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) funding to advance the goals of the Someone You Know and Love Anti Stigma Campaign through the implementation and evaluation of several activities. To understand the impact of the updated ASC activities and any potential short and long-term outcomes, the Planning Council Support (PCS) team and Consumer Committee members conducted a process evaluation. Read our 2023-2024 Report HERE!
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Year 2! In the 2024-2025 Planning Council term, the Consumer Committee focused campaign efforts on expanding merchandise and marketing materials, translating our film’s subtitles and increasing social media engagement, creating relationships with local youth-focused organizations (shout out to BAGLY, NH Outright, and SPOKE Art!), developing brochures, and hosting our first Someone You Know & Love Gala! Read our 2024-2025 report here!