Powering the Pulse of Health Equity Through Systems Change.
NMAC’s Center to End the HIV Epidemic offers tailored technical assistance, capacity building, and leadership development services to organizations, institutions, and changemakers working at the intersection of health equity and systems change. Rooted in our commitment to addressing the syndemic drivers of poor health outcomes, our services are designed to strengthen community power, reimagine care infrastructures, and shift systems toward justice.
The Center to End the HIV Epidemic is built upon decades of NMAC’ capacity building expertise that strengthens organizational and individual leaders across the HIV movement. The Center is a national hub committed to advancing health equity by addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes through systems change, community power-building, and culturally grounded capacity-building approaches and technical training.
Center Mission: We work at the heart of public health transformation—Using storytelling, systems-thinking, and implementation science to reshape systems and advance health justice for communities with the poorest health outcomes.
Our Approach
We center communities that are disproportionately impacted by structural inequities—across racial, social, geographic, and gender-expansive demographics—by working across systems of care such as public health, housing, education, and the legal system. Our work is grounded in the belief that true health equity requires not just access to services, but the transformation of the systems that shape people’s lives.
At the heart of our approach is the integration of narrative and strategy. We use storytelling and lived experience as tools to shift public discourse, inform policy, and humanize data. Through fellowships, leadership development, capacity building, and technical assistance, we invest in people and organizations driving change in their own communities.
Fault Lines We Shift:
We focus on the systems and structures where the pressure of inequity builds. These are the fault lines we work to shift—through movement, framework, and education—to create lasting change.
- Systems Change and Social Movements
Goal: To catalyze lasting systems-change by supporting grassroots and policy-driven movements that challenge health inequities and advance integrated, community-driven health solutions.
Approach: The Center partners with local and national stakeholders to shift the systems that produce poor health outcomes—working across sectors such as healthcare, housing, education, and justice. Through coalition building, narrative strategy, and advocacy training, we equip leaders to dismantle structural barriers and drive meaningful change rooted in the lived experiences of impacted communities. - Health Equity Frameworks and Resource Ecosystems
Goal: To build robust, scalable frameworks and support systems that embed equity across public health infrastructures and align with a syndemic-based whole-person approach.
Approach: Our work is grounded in social and political determinants of health, with a focus on supporting organizations and systems in designing culturally responsive programs and services. By aligning partners around equity-centered principles and investing in long-term sustainability, The Center helps shape resilient ecosystems that foster access, accountability, and transformative outcomes. - Health Literacy and Language Justice
Goal: To empower communities with the knowledge and confidence to make informed health decisions, navigate care systems, and advocate for their rights, while equipping practitioners with responsive communication skills that foster trust and understanding.
Approach: The EpiCenter develops and delivers accessible, linguistically and culturally relevant health education materials and training. We prioritize storytelling as a tool for health literacy—working alongside communities to elevate their experiences, build trust, and create tools for self-advocacy and systems navigation.
Additionally, we invest in building practitioners’ literacy in communicating through empathetic, responsive language, ensuring that care providers and public health professionals can effectively engage with diverse populations and reflect community realities in their practice.
At the Core
These are the grounding forces that drive our vision, shape our approach, and define the purpose behind The Center to End the HIV Epidemic.
- Social Determinants of Health: By addressing economic, social, and environmental factors that impact health, the Center will work to bridge gaps in health outcomes and create a foundation for community and individual healthcare autonomy.
- Syndemic Approach: Recognizing the interconnected nature of health challenges, our programs will utilize systems-thinking strategies and syndemic methodologies, to focus on the root causes of health disparities rather than isolated conditions.
- Health Equity Frameworks: Each initiative will be built on health equity principles that prioritize inclusivity and address structural inequities, fostering a global culture of health justice.
- Global Reach: Through strategic partnerships and digital learning platforms, the Center will extend its resources and frameworks worldwide, supporting leaders in diverse settings and addressing health inequities across borders.
Lines of Impact
Our work sends out intentional ripples—measurable shifts that strengthen communities, reimagine systems, and advance justice. These are the outcomes that signal progress from the inside out.
- Community Power and Leadership: We strengthen the capacity of grassroots leaders, advocates, and storytellers to drive systemic change. Through leadership development, coalition building, and movement support, we ensure communities most impacted by inequities are shaping the systems that serve them.
- Equity-Driven Systems Transformation: We work across health, housing, education, and legal systems to embed equity into public policy, institutional practices, and funding strategies. Our approach builds sustainable, people-centered infrastructures that respond to the root causes of poor health outcomes.
- Health Literacy and Language Justice: We promote accessible, culturally grounded health education for individuals and communities, while also training practitioners to use empathetic, responsive language. This dual focus improves care experiences, strengthens trust, and empowers self-advocacy.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration and Resource Ecosystems: We cultivate partnerships among public, nonprofit, and private-sector entities—including businesses, health systems, and philanthropy—to build coordinated, community-driven ecosystems that invest in health equity and long-term collective impact.