#United States #Washington, D.C. #HIV Prevention #Black Women #Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Launches Summer Spill the Tea Ambassadorship for Black Women

In an empowering initiative, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. (PPMW) has kicked off its latest cohort for the Spill the Tea Ambassador Program this May. This program, famously supported by the ViiV Healthcare Positive Actions Grant, focuses on mobilizing young Black women to take charge of conversations around sexual health and HIV prevention within their communities.

A New Wave of Ambassadors

This year, PPMW specifically recruited Black women aged 18 to 24, who often include college students, to serve as influential voices on critical issues such as sexual health, HIV, and the stigmas surrounding them. Once selected, participants undergo training where staff from PPMW’s Education team provide foundational knowledge on essential topics including HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and preventive medications such as PrEP and PEP. Furthermore, participants will learn about the various services and resources offered at PPMW, enhancing their ability to inform and educate others.

In an effort to promote introspection among trainees, the program encourages participants to reflect on their own perspectives regarding sex, STIs, and HIV. Aleia Mays, PPMW’s Director of Education, emphasizes, "We spend substantial time unpacking participants' own ideas about sex, STIs, HIV, and any stigmas they may hold. Such introspection is vital before they become educators themselves."

Grounded in Best Practices

The curriculum of the Spill the Tea Ambassador Program draws from ViiV Healthcare's Risk to Reasons framework, which aims to foster new messages and methods of communication regarding HIV prevention and care specifically targeting Black women, whether cisgender or transgender. The direct aim of addressing such critical issues stems from the alarming statistics that highlight the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black Americans, particularly on women.

According to Mays, “This work matters because Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV in this country. They represent around 13% of the female population in the U.S. yet accounted for half of all new HIV diagnoses among women in 2023. This situation is dire; however, by empowering speakers who share similar backgrounds and experiences, we can incite change.”

Since its inception in 2023, the Spill the Tea Ambassador Program has successfully trained 17 ambassadors, who have since reached over 300 community members via local education events. Mays is optimistic about the program's future, foreseeing an increase in trained ambassadors and community outreach efforts in 2026-2027.

A Summer Like No Other

The current summer cohort marks a significant milestone, being PPMW's first summer training program, running from May through mid-August. It follows a condensed version of the standard fall program. Following their training, participants will immediately start facilitating community education sessions, enhancing their practical experience.

Ambassadors will lead a 90-minute educational session titled Spill the Tea Reclaiming Your Voice. This session emphasizes self-care and HIV prevention within the broader context of wellness. Among the interactive activities, ambassadors will utilize a game called “What’s Tea,” designed to dispel stigma and encourage open conversations around sexual health topics.

Additionally, ambassadors are expected to represent PPMW at various community events, such as Pride festivals and local health fairs, often collaborating with other outreach organizations in the DC area. Mays highlights the importance of these partnerships, inviting community members to engage in future outreach and tabling opportunities.

This summer’s initiative will pave the way for the next cohort in the fall, scheduled for October 2026 through April 2027, signaling PPMW’s unwavering commitment to educate and inspire the voices of young Black women.

As a pioneer in reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. continues to provide quality, accessible health services, while empowering individuals through education and advocacy. The organization remains a crucial resource within Washington, D.C., Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Northern Virginia.