AIDS Free Pittsburgh’s Data Walk on display.
Midway through its series of PrEP Data Walks, AIDS Free Pittsburgh (AFP) is finding that bringing local HIV prevention data directly into community spaces sparks powerful dialogue.
These interactive displays, featuring the results of AFP’s recent county-wide PrEP awareness survey, are designed to meet people where they gather. To date, AFP has brought the Data Walk experience to a dozen community events and clinics with venues ranging from farmers markets and Black Pride celebrations to Shepherd Wellness Community’s OUTrageous Bingo and the City of Pittsburgh’s overdose prevention pop-ups. Each site was chosen to reflect the diversity of survey respondents and of communities most affected by HIV. At each stop, the goal is the same: to turn statistics into conversations that inspire action.
One early lesson is that awareness is only the first step. Many participants leave the Data Walks wanting to know how to obtain PrEP. In response, AFP developed the MyPrEP Access Guide, a practical, user-friendly resource created with community input.
The guide outlines the four PrEP options currently available, how to determine if PrEP is right for an individual, conversation tips for speaking with a healthcare provider, strategies for managing costs and side effects, and connections to local resources. AFP is distributing the guide digitally and in-person at outreach events and through partner organizations across the city.
The timing of the Data Walks coincides with an important national development: FDA approval of lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for PrEP. This long-acting injectable is administered just twice a year, offering an alternative for those who face challenges with daily pills or frequent clinic visits. By expanding prevention options, lenacapavir could help more people find a form of PrEP that fits their lives.
The same PrEP survey data fueling community conversations is also shaping national discussions. In August, AFP was invited to present the PrEP survey findings to the HIV subcommittee of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. The presentation was well received, with over 130 attendees from state and local health departments across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors. Members of the Allegheny County Medical Society will also have the chance to read about the PrEP survey findings in the next edition of the ACMS Bulletin, guest-authored by AIDS Free Pittsburgh.
For community audiences, the emphasis is on making the numbers relatable and actionable. For public health professionals, the focus shifts to survey methodology, demographic trends, and implications for prevention planning. By tailoring the presentation to each audience, AFP ensures that the data empower in the community while also informing epidemiologists and policymakers who guide HIV prevention strategies nationwide.
In the coming months, AFP plans to continue hosting Data Walks across the region and tracking their impact. This unique approach has already sparked interest among peer organizations who have seen increases in PrEP inquiries and are exploring ways to adapt the format for other health topics. AFP’s experience shows that bringing data off the page and into the heart of the community can catalyze awareness, foster connections, and inspire action.
