Overview


The Health Equity Interest Group hosted an insightful webinar that explored the unique HIV prevention and treatment needs of Latinx communities in the United States. Despite progress in HIV care, Latinx populations continued to face significant challenges such as cultural stigma, structural inequities, and immigration-related barriers that impacted health care access. The speakers highlighted strategies for delivering culturally responsive care, focusing on navigating stigma, discrimination, and mistrust to enhance HIV prevention and treatment.

The panelists discussed the critical role of community-based partnerships among health care providers, researchers, and grassroots organizations in closing gaps in HIV care. By centering the voices of Latinx individuals, the session offered actionable insights to build trust, foster inclusivity, and improve access to services like PrEP, HIV testing, and treatment. Participants left equipped with practical tools to deliver equitable health care solutions and strengthen community-driven efforts for better HIV outcomes.
For more information on the Future of Health Equity Series, including speaker nominations - Future of Health Equity Webinar Series | AcademyHealth

Supported by the Commonwealth Fund, a national, private foundation based in New York City that supports independent research on health care issues and makes grants to improve health care practice and policy. The views presented here are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Commonwealth Fund, its directors, officers, or staff.

Learning Objectives


By the end of the webinar participants:

  • Identified barriers Latinx communities face in HIV preventions and treatment, including cultural stigma, structural inequities, and immigration challenges.
  • Explored strategies for culturally responsive HIV care tailored to the specific needs of Latinx individuals.
  • Developed practical ways to build partnerships among health care providers and community groups to improve access to HIV services and health outcomes. 

Speaker List


Moderator:

Jessica headshot
Committee Member, Member

Jessica Islam, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor in Cancer Epidemiology - H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

Dr. Islam is an Assistant Member in Cancer Epidemiology at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and an Assistant Professor of Oncologic Sciences at the University of South Florida. Read Bio

Speakers:

Alex Cordova Headshot
Presenter

Alex Cordova

Executive Director - Lila LGBTQ Inc

Creator of LGBTQ programs in San Francisco, CA. and facilitator of the same, moving to North Carolina in 2005. Alex has been the Executive Director of Lila Latinx LGBTQ Inc. since 2017. Read Bio

Lisvel Matos Headshot
Presenter

Lisvel Matos, Ph.D., FNP-C, WHNP-BC

Postdoctoral Associate - Duke University, School of Nursing

Dr. Lisvel Matos is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Duke University School of Nursing and a nurse practitioner dedicated to advancing health equity in Latinx communities. Read Bio