The 2025 United States Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA), hosted by NMAC with the theme Aging with HIV, brought more than 3,000 advocates, providers, and leaders to Washington, DC for four days of connection, learning, and celebration. Against the backdrop of federal funding uncertainty, this year’s gathering carried an extra sense of urgency. It was a chance for the HIV community to come together, share strategies, and renew its commitment to the fight ahead.
Alchemy was proud to play a central role throughout the conference. From the opening sessions to the final workshops, our team was seemingly everywhere – hosting key meetings, leading practical presentations, and celebrating the joy and resilience that define this community.
The highlight came when Alchemy partner and investor Earvin “Magic” Johnson took to the USCHA stage for the very first time. In a keynote conversation with Alchemy’s Co-CEO Sid Viswanathan and NMAC’s incoming CEO Harold Phillips, Magic shared the story of living for 33 years with HIV and the choices that have shaped his life. “Early detection saved my life,” he told the packed ballroom. “But I had to make the decision that I wanted to be here a long time.” He reflected on the early days of his diagnosis, when treatment options were few, and on the importance of taking medication, exercising, and “loving life and yourself every single day.” Magic also urged the audience to stay united in the work ahead, reminding everyone that “we have to pull our resources together and continue this fight, because it is only going to get harder.”
Ahead of the keynote, Magic Johnson joined Alchemy for two smaller gatherings. He participated in a private business meeting where we welcomed AIDS Alabama as Alchemy’s newest partner organization and honored Harold Phillips as he prepares to lead NMAC into its next chapter. He also took part in an intimate meet and greet that gave advocates and clinic leaders a memorable opportunity to connect with one of the most visible champions of HIV awareness.
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Our team also shared lessons from the field in two standing-room-only workshops designed to give attendees actionable tools. Founder and Co-CEO Peter Park presented Addressing the Opioid Use Disorder/HIV/Hepatitis C Syndemic Through Mobile Clinics alongside partners from Equality Health Group, Raphael Health Center, and The LGBTQ Center. Founder and Chief Pharmacist Susie Crowe, PharmD, MPH, led Expanding PrEP Access Through Pharmacist-Led Initiation with collaborators from Raphael Health Center, The LGBTQ Center, and NASTAD. Both sessions showcased the practical innovations that are helping clinics reach more patients and improve outcomes.
Throughout the conference, the Alchemy exhibit booth buzzed with conversations as we connected with providers, advocates, and prospective partners from across the country. These interactions underscored the fact that even in challenging times, there is tremendous energy, creativity and resilience within the HIV community.
This year’s success was made possible in large part by our partnership with NMAC, whose leadership and vision provided a stage and an audience worthy of Magic’s first USCHA appearance. We are excited to continue expanding our partnership in the years ahead.
2025 USCHA was a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work left to do. Magic Johnson’s inspiring words, Harold Phillips’ new leadership, and the countless exchanges among attendees all pointed to a shared determination to build a future where every person living with HIV can do so with dignity, free from stigma, and with access to the highest quality care. For Alchemy, it was a privilege to help bring that vision to life and to stand alongside so many partners committed to making it a reality.
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