Mission
CHLP fights stigma and discrimination at the intersection of HIV, race, health status, disability, class, sexuality and gender identity and expression, with a focus on criminal and public health systems.
As part of this work, we support movement building that amplifies the power of individuals and communities to mobilize for change rooted in racial, gender and economic justice. We do this through legal advocacy, high-impact policy initiatives, and the creation of cross-issue partnerships, networks, and resources.
CHLP increases the advocacy power and HIV expertise of attorneys, community members, and service providers, and advances policy initiatives that are grounded in and uphold social justice, science, and the public health. We do this by providing high-quality legal and policy materials through an accessible web-based resource bank; cultivating interdisciplinary support networks of experts, activists, and professionals; and coordinating a strategic leadership hub to track and advance advocacy on critical HIV legal, health, and human rights issues.
CHLP takes a collaborative approach to the persistent problem of HIV discrimination and the shortage of trained advocates to address the problem. We serve as a back-up center and source of support to community and legal advocates across the country.
Strategic coordination and sharing of resources is a sound approach to maximizing the representation of those with HIV, allowing existing organizations to use limited resources as efficiently as possible. CHLP works with experts and community members from local direct service providers to national organizations to identify, create, and share high-quality legal and policy resources and advocacy strategies.
CHLP is not a direct legal services organization. If you are looking for an attorney to provide you with legal advice or representation, please contact a legal services organization in your state or see the Legal Assistance page in our National Policy Resource Center. Nothing on the CHLP website is or should be taken as legal advice.
CHLP may provide support to attorneys representing people whose legal issues relate to our mission. This might include the filing of amicus curiae briefs, or, in very limited cases, serving as co-counsel or providing direct representation.
The Center for HIV Law and Policy is an independent project of the National Center for Civic Innovation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization created by the Fund for the City of New York, 121 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013.