LindaH. Scruggs (born 1964) is a HIV/AIDS activist and advocate. She is the co-owner and founder of the Ribbon Consulting Group, a founding member of the Positive Women's Network USA and a founding member of the US National Black Woman HIV Network.
Scruggs tested positive for HIV in 1990 when she was 13 weeks pregnant and 18 months into drug recovery. [1] [2] She was offered a termination of the pregnancy, but refused, and her son was born HIV-negative. [1] After her diagnosis, Scruggs became a HIV/AIDS activist and advocate. [3] She began working as a women's health advocate at the Moore Clinic at the Johns Hopkins University. [4]
In 2012, Scruggs co-founded the non-profit Ribbon Consulting Group, which facilitates engagement with policymakers, government agencies, and national HIV organizations. [4] 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. [1]
Scruggs has spoken about HIV in front of heads of state, such as Bill Clinton. [1] [5] She was also given an Honorable Mention by Barack Obama when he launched his National HIV/AIDS Strategy in 2010. [6]
Scruggs was quoted by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS on the 40th anniversary of Denver Principles. [7] [8] She spoke at the 2012 International AIDS Society's Conference in Washington, D.C. [1] [9]
In January 2024, Scruggs was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (DHL) by the Breakthrough Bible College and Theological Seminary. [4]