Although drug use is rampant, it may not be the only reason for the current spike. The Huffington Post reported today that Scott County hasn’t had an HIV testing center since 2013 after a Planned Parenthood clinic was forced to shut down.
Many are calling the current state of affairs an “outbreak,” however, some find this inflammatory. Long-time HIV/AIDS activist, Hydeia Broadbent, posted to her Facebook page over the weekend:
Am I the only one offended by the news title out of Indiana “HIV Outbreak”? I’m sorry but HIV is not like the measles, is something you have to acquire. It’s not like walking in a room and being exposed.
What you have is a rise in HIV infections in your community. That title, this does not help us combat stigma.
Indiana has launched an aggressive public awareness campaign that focuses on safe sex, HIV testing and drug treatment.
In the U.S., Atlanta ranks No. 1 for the rate of new HIV diagnosis, according to the Atlanta Daily World. An average of two to three people have been diagnosed with HIV every day at Grady Hospital since 2013.
Alarming Rise Of HIV Infections In Indiana was originally published on blackdoctor.org
