Build your Hive. One connection at a time.
Building your Hive starts with recognizing who’s already in your corner
Everybody needs support—building a Hive is not a solo task. You likely already have people in your life who can support you and are committed to helping you consider your whole health. From friends and family to care coordinators, social workers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and more. Learn about strategies to expand your Hive.
Choose your Hive—on your terms
Not everyone needs to know your status to be in your Hive. There are levels of trust and comfort to this process—and that’s okay. Some people might just be gym buddies who keep you accountable, or friends who remind you to eat healthy, and some might be doctors or partners who know more.
Who’s in your Hive?
The answer may be right in front of you.
A healthy Hive places you at the center, surrounded by layers of support.
Take a look below to see who may play an important role in Your Hive of Whole Health.
Personal Connections
Whether it’s your chosen family, partner, family, friends, or neighbors—these relationships are important for maintaining good social health while keeping you accountable and supported in your Hive.
If they are important to you and your whole health goals, consider including your:
- Partners
- Siblings
- Aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family
- Chosen family (this may include best friends, house mothers, house fathers and/or children, sorority sisters, and fraternity brothers)
- Neighbors or those you share a living space with like roommates
- Colleagues
Care Team
If you’ve been living with HIV for decades or were recently diagnosed, you may already have a team of healthcare providers who check your vitals and help you access your medications. These may be nurse practitioners or doctors who remember you during your visits, and may also include:
Primary care physicians (PCPs)
These are providers, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants who see you regularly for your general health and checkups
HIV service providers and specialists
These providers—including doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants—offer expert guidance on HIV management, treatment, and overall health
Nurses
Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists provide consistent support to help you stick to your treatment plan, manage side effects, and offer ongoing health education
Pharmacists
Pharmacists can be trusted guides between appointments and help you understand what’s safe to take together and what to avoid
Mental health professionals
Professionals you can turn to for support with emotional well-being, stress management, and mental health concerns
Dietitians and nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists help support your nutritional health, offering guidance on food choices, meal planning, and weight health
Patient navigators
These are people who get what you’re going through because they’re also living with HIV
Case managers
Case managers may be helpful in connecting you with educational and supportive resources across many aspects of living with HIV
Social workers
Social workers can connect you to social services—linking you to housing, food, and healthcare services
Substance use specialists
Substance use specialists, including drug counselors, can provide judgment-free guidance, resources to help build healthy habits, and access to behavioral or mental health services when needed
Community Support
Whole health isn’t just about doctors, medications, or even those closest to you—it’s also about connections beyond those in your immediate circle. People in your community can play a powerful role not only in your journey with HIV, but your whole health too.
Additional members of your Hive may include:
Faith leaders or those within your religious community
If you’re close, faith leaders or members of your religious community may be trusted members of your Hive that help you stay accountable
Advocacy groups
Advocacy groups help amplify the voices of people living with HIV, working to improve access to care, resources, and health equity
Support groups
These groups provide safe spaces to share experiences, build community, and find encouragement from others who understand living with HIV
Mentors
Mentors can offer you guidance and share their lived experiences, helping you navigate both treatment and personal needs
Who’s in your Hive?
Take a moment to reflect, scroll through your contacts, or write down a list of those you may trust to support your whole health journey.
Hive Tip
Add the same emoji next to people in your Hive, so they are easy to find.
Building your Hive is just the beginning.
Have a good idea of who’s in your Hive? If so, you’re ready to share your health goals and start achieving them. The Hive Keeper can help you reflect, set goals, and track progress that’s uniquely yours.
Map Your Progress:
In addition to knowing your HIV viral load, other health numbers are just as important to keep track of, such as your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and other health measures.
Think Big Picture About Your Health:
Your care plan should work with your life, not against it, so talk openly with your care team about how to take care of your physical, social, and emotional well-being, and engage with your support system.
A good Hive needs a Hive Keeper
Download the Hive Keeper to help track and manage your health goals, treatment needs, personal relationships, and care team so you can nurture a Hive that works best for you.
Find resources close to you
Local support may be available. Use our HIV Community Services Locator, powered by HIV.gov, to find testing services, housing providers, health centers, and other services near you.
Images may include models used for illustrative purposes only. They are not individuals with HIV unless explicitly stated.