By Megan Fitzgerald

Leisha McKinley-Beach, National HIV Consultant, has been a passionate advocate for HIV treatment and care for underserved communities for over three decades. We recently sat down to talk about her journey, how she found her calling, and what continues to drive her mission today.

Megan Fitzgerald: Leisha, thank you for sitting down with me. You’ve been a dedicated advocate for people living with HIV for over thirty years. Could you share with us how you first got involved in this work?

Leisha McKinley-Beach: Thank you for having me. My journey into HIV advocacy really began with a deep personal connection. I saw firsthand the devastating impact HIV had on individuals, especially in underserved communities. I lost people I loved, and those losses fueled my commitment to ensuring that no one else should have to go through what they did. I knew I had to be part of a solution—part of making a change in the lives of people living with HIV.

Megan Fitzgerald: Your passion is clear, and it’s incredible to see how far you’ve come. Over the years, you’ve worked closely with organizations to implement the 1-3-7 framework. Can you explain what that framework is and why it’s so important?

Leisha McKinley-Beach: Absolutely. The 1-3-7 framework is a simple but powerful approach to getting people living with HIV into treatment quickly—within 7 days of diagnosis. The goal is to prevent the virus from doing any further damage to the body and to stop the cycle of transmission. If we can get people into care early, their health outcomes improve, they can live longer, and they don’t have to fear passing the virus on to others. The 1-3-7 framework is critical because it provides a concrete, actionable model for healthcare providers and clinics to follow—no more waiting around for weeks before starting treatment.

Megan Fitzgerald: That sounds like a game-changer. Why is it so important to begin treatment so quickly after diagnosis?

Leisha McKinley-Beach: Time is of the essence. When someone is diagnosed with HIV, the sooner we get them into treatment, the better the chances of viral suppression. That means we can prevent HIV from causing lasting damage to the immune system. And the sooner they start treatment, the more likely they are to stay healthy and live a full, long life. It’s also about reducing the stigma associated with the diagnosis. People can live with HIV just like they can live with diabetes, with the right treatment and care.

Megan Fitzgerald: What challenges have you encountered in advocating for this approach?

Leisha McKinley-Beach: One of the biggest challenges has been getting everyone on the same page—getting healthcare providers to adopt this new model. The 1-3-7 framework is still not the standard practice in many places, and some clinics are still working off older models, like waiting 30 days before starting treatment. But we can’t afford that kind of delay anymore. The medical community is making strides, but we still need more awareness and education so that all clinics, not just HIV-specialized ones, can be equipped to follow this framework.

Megan Fitzgerald: You mentioned education and awareness. How do public health organizations play a role in spreading the word about the 1-3-7 framework?

Leisha McKinley-Beach: Public health organizations are absolutely crucial in this process. They’re on the front lines of reaching communities and raising awareness about the available resources, including the 1-3-7 framework. The work they do in local communities ensures that people know what’s available to them. But it’s not just about spreading the word to patients—it’s about making sure healthcare providers, both in HIV-focused clinics and primary care settings, understand that this framework is a practical, effective solution for getting people the care they need quickly.

Megan Fitzgerald: It sounds like you’re helping change the way the system works, but what about the stigma that still surrounds HIV? How do we break that down?

Leisha McKinley-Beach: Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to care. In my work, I’ve seen that when people are ashamed or afraid of being judged, they’re less likely to seek care. One of the ways we can address this stigma is by integrating HIV care into mainstream healthcare. For example, I go to my healthcare provider for regular check-ups, and HIV care is just a part of the services I receive—just like any other chronic condition. That’s what we need more of—healthcare settings where people can access HIV care without feeling singled out or stigmatized.

Megan Fitzgerald: You’ve been working tirelessly to break down those barriers. What keeps you going, year after year, despite the challenges?

Leisha McKinley-Beach: What keeps me going is the belief that I will see the end of the HIV epidemic in my lifetime. I truly believe we can get there, even though there are still barriers and challenges. But every day, I see progress—whether it’s in the work of organizations, in the policies that are changing, or in the lives we’re impacting. When I see people who were once struggling get the care they need and go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives, it reminds me that our work matters. I’m not stopping until we’ve made HIV a thing of the past.