Linda Scruggs

Scruggs tested positive for HIV in 1990 when she was 13 weeks pregnant and 18 months into drug recovery.^[2][3] She was offered a termination of the pregnancy, but refused, and her son was born HIV-negative.^[2] After her diagnosis, Scruggs became a HIV/AIDS activist and advocate.^[4] She began working as a women's health advocate at the Moore Clinic at the Johns Hopkins University.^[5]

In 2012, Scruggs co-founded the non-profit Ribbon Consulting Group, which facilitates engagement with policymakers, government agencies, and national HIV organizations.^[5] She is also a founding member of the Positive Women's Network USA and a founding member of the US National Black Woman HIV Network.^[2]

Scruggs has spoken about HIV in front of heads of state, such as Bill Clinton.^[2][6] She was also given an Honorable Mention by Barack Obama when he launched his National HIV/AIDS Strategy in 2010.^[7]

Scruggs was quoted by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS on the 40th anniversary of Denver Principles.^[8][9] She spoke at the 2012 International AIDS Society's Conference in Washington, D.C.^[2][10]

In January 2024, Scruggs was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (DHL) by the Breakthrough Bible College and Theological Seminary.^[5]

She has dedicated over three decades of her life to fighting for and championing the rights and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS.^[11]