empowering communities. ending stigma. saving lives.
For nearly four decades, The DIVA Foundation, founded by Emmy® Award-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, has been at the forefront of raising health awareness, fighting stigma, and creating pathways to health equity.
This page is here to provide you with facts, tools, and encouragement to protect your health and inspire others to do the same.
A Message From Sheryl Lee Ralph, Founder of The DIVA Foundation
“My commitment to this work began nearly 40 years ago during the AIDS crisis. I made a promise to those we lost that I would keep using my voice, my art, and my platform until the world changed. Today, we havechanged.
People are living long, healthy, and fulfilled lives because they know their status, get tested, and take charge of their health. For those living with HIV, treatment and care make it possible not only to thrive, but to inspire others with their resilience.
The DIVA Foundation is here to remind you: health is hope, knowledge is power, and your story can change lives. Together, we will end HIV and the stigma that comes with it.”
— Sheryl Lee Ralph
Emmy® Award-winning Actress, Activist, and Founder of The DIVA Foundation
Our Commitment
The DIVA Foundation uses the transformative power of art and storytelling to advance health awareness.
From DIVAS Simply Singing! to Sisters Circle South Africa, The DIVA High Tea, and DIVAS Health Awareness Week, our programs bring people together to learn, heal, and take action.
Understanding HIV
HIV is preventable and treatable. With education, testing, and treatment, everyone can live a full, vibrant life.
Learn the basics: HIV Basics – CDC
Get Tested. Know Your Status.
Testing is empowerment. It’s quick, confidential, and an important part of caring for yourself and your loved ones.
•Find a site near you: HIV Testing Locator – CDC
•Learn more: HIV Testing – CDC
Prevention Works
There are more tools than ever to prevent HIV:
•PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): A daily pill or shot that reduces risk by about 99%.
•PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Emergency medicine that works if started within 72 hours of possible exposure.
•Condoms: A simple, effective form of protection.
•Learn about PrEP: PrEP – CDC
•Learn about PEP: PEP – CDC
Treatment & U=U
•With treatment (ART), people with HIV can live long, healthy, thriving lives.
•U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable. People who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their partners.
•Learn about treatment: Treatment – CDC
•Learn about U=U: Viral Suppression and U=U – CDC
Ending Stigma Together
Stigma has no place in our fight to end HIV. We break it down when we:
•Talk openly about health and testing.
•Share facts and success stories.
•Celebrate resilience and hope through storytelling, like our Emmy-nominated Unexpected and
•Learn more: HIV Stigma – CDC
Take Action
•Get tested. Own your health, and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.
•Protect yourself. Explore PrEP, PEP, and safer sex options.
•Support others. Uplift organizations like The DIVA Foundation, SisterLove, and LOTUS.
•Use your voice. Normalize conversations about HIV and help end stigma.