Policy Brief

Sexual and reproductive healthcare and rights (SRHR) are integral to gender equity, HIV prevention, and the provision of high-quality services for people of all genders living with HIV (PLWH).  In the United States, safety net SHR services are primarily paid for by the federal government.  In light of recent shifts in the domestic policy environment […]

Approval in mid-2012 of a consumer-controlled OTC HIV test by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for drug and medical device approval for sales to the public, has made real the possibility of learning one’s HIV status in the privacy of one’s home. Now, people who are concerned about the potential embarrassment […]

Natural disasters related to climate change are on the rise in California, but the impacts of climate-related events on healthcare delivery and client engagement in care are not well understood. The critical care needs of those receiving HIV, STI, and harm reduction services are of particular importance; disruptions to services pose an immediate threat to […]

This policy brief is intended to help health care providers and patients better understand how the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Grade A recommendation for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Senate Bill (SB) 159 impact PrEP access in California. The policy brief also outlines the complaint process if a health plan is not in compliance with the […]

This qualitative study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and access to mental health services from the perspectives of patients living with HIV and providers in California. In a brief report, we outline both the challenges and resiliencies that were shared by study informants and propose recommendations to improve access to […]

Our research center conducted a qualitative study to understand patient, provider and other key stakeholder experiences as clinics rapidly shifted to telehealth care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This brief report outlines the major findings and recommendations from the study.

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly shifted how routine medical care was delivered and disrupted all aspects of everyday life, including HIV social and medical services. Our Policy Center conducted a qualitative study to understand how organizations serving people living with or at risk for HIV and their clients were affected by the pandemic as well as […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed concerns about social and structural factors related to health disparities, including those related to HIV. The Lens tool is a partial response to an urgent need to understand whether elevated risk of COVID-19 disease and mortality among persons living with HIV (PLWH) results from related risk behaviors, a higher burden […]

As many of you know, the FDA is considering a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The briefing document, written by Dr. Sabrina L. Smiley (We The People) and colleagues at the UC Merced Nicotine & Cannabis Policy Center, outlines four essential points from research and science that community organizations should know as they […]

HIV rates among Latino men who have sex with men are not decreasing at the same rate as they are decreasing among white MSM. This is a matter of concern as Latinx people are the largest racial/ethnic minority group affected by HIV in California. Currently, the California Department of Public Health in partnership with county […]