In late April, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community leaders gathered at Emancipation Park Cultural Community Center for the 2025 PrEP/PEP Summit focused on women's voices in HIV prevention. Among the distinguished panelists was Dr. Mandy Hill, Professor and Inaugural Chair of the Department of Population Health and Health Disparities at UTMB's School of Public and Population Health.
The summit, themed "I Am Woman; I Am Life," brought together experts to address the critical need for increased pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) utilization among Black and Hispanic women, populations historically underrepresented in the uptake of effective HIV prevention strategies.
Creating Accessible Spaces for Sexual Health Conversations
During the panel on "Breaking Barriers—Centering Black & Hispanic Women in PrEP/PEP Conversations," Dr. Hill joined fellow experts Dr. Teriya Richmond, physician leading Your Total Health Doctor; Kimmy Palacios, Deputy Director of Fundacion Latino Americana de Accion Social, Inc (FLAS); and Marlene McNeese, former Co-Chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and Assistant Director of Disease Prevention and Control for the Houston Health Department. Together, they addressed how healthcare systems often fail to normalize discussions about sexual health.
"Our safe spaces give rise to what we consider as 'normal'," Dr. Hill explained during the panel. "In order for women to learn about and access PrEP and/or PEP, we have to welcome PrEP, PEP, sex, HIV, treatment, prevention, and all things sexual health into our regular, normal conversations."
This perspective aligns with Dr. Hill's research focus on developing behavioral interventions that promote healthy sexual behaviors and increase access to prevention tools like PrEP among underserved populations.
Addressing Challenges in Public Health Work
The summit discussions acknowledged current difficulties in the field, including resource constraints affecting important public health programs. Dr. Hill characterized population and public health work as purpose-driven "heart work" that continues to be essential despite these challenges.
While recognizing the current funding environment presents obstacles, Dr. Hill emphasized that the fundamental importance of helping people live healthier lives remains unchanged. She encouraged continued commitment to this mission-driven work despite present difficulties.
"She Is Woman She Is Life" Award Recognition
At the summit, Dr. Hill received unexpected recognition when she was honored with the inaugural "She Is Woman She Is Life" award. The award holds particular significance as it came from the team led by McNeese, whom Dr. Hill has admired professionally since their first collaboration implementing CDC guidelines for HIV screening in emergency departments.
The recognition acknowledges Dr. Hill's contributions to improving health outcomes through her extensive research experience in both clinical and community environments spanning over two decades.
Collaborative Approaches to Population Health
Dr. Hill noted that the summit reinforced the value of cross-sector collaboration in addressing health disparities. The presence of practitioners from healthcare, academia, community organizations and the non-profit sector all working to prioritize the health needs of African American and Hispanic populations provided inspiration for continuing this important work.
"The panel shared such a balanced picture, as it brought together the lived experiences of community members, the non-profit sector, healthcare providers, researchers, and public health practice, all through the lens of population health," Dr. Hill observed.
Extending UTMB's Community Impact
This engagement exemplifies how UTMB faculty contribute expertise beyond campus boundaries to address pressing public health challenges. The knowledge exchange between academic institutions, government agencies, and community organizations strengthens public health practice and helps develop more effective, culturally-relevant approaches to complex health challenges like HIV prevention.
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