You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
life<br />
Advertorial<br />
Our Community,<br />
Our Health<br />
Join the Movement to End HIV<br />
Shelby County, like many other communities within our Tri-State areas, grapples with challenges posed by the HIV<br />
epidemic. Recent data reveals 353 new cases in the past year, with a prevalence rate of 26.4 per 100,000 residents,<br />
ranking second. By year-end 2021, reported cases reached 7,567, equating to a rate of 566.3 per 100,000 individuals. *<br />
This emphasizes the urgency for a collective response. The Shelby County Health Department leads with a multifaceted<br />
campaign to educate, inform, and mobilize citizens to end HIV. This campaign equips our communities with the<br />
information and tools needed for protection, health empowerment, and contributing to ending the epidemic.<br />
Education Is Critical<br />
Understand the facts about HIV<br />
transmission, prevention & treatment<br />
What Is HIV?<br />
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the immune system. Left<br />
untreated, it leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).<br />
How Is HIV Transmitted?<br />
Primarily through specific body fluids. Common transmission methods include<br />
unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, mother-to-child transmission, blood<br />
transfusions, and contaminated medical equipment.<br />
Preventing HIV Transmission<br />
• Use of Condoms: Consistent and correct use significantly reduces<br />
transmission risk.<br />
• Regular HIV Testing: Crucial for early detection, allowing timely intervention.<br />
• Promoting Safe Injection Practices: Avoiding needle-sharing is critical.<br />
• Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission: Pregnant women living with HIV can<br />
prevent transmission to their infants through proper medical care, antiretroviral<br />
medications during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding.<br />
• Sexual Health Education: Empowers individuals with information about safe<br />
practices and testing importance.<br />
• Community-Based Prevention Programs: Engaging communities in prevention<br />
efforts, including awareness campaigns, outreach programs, and support<br />
services, can contribute to a broader impact in reducing HIV transmission.<br />
• Access to Healthcare: Ensuring access to healthcare services, including HIV<br />
testing, counseling, and treatment, is essential for effective prevention and care.<br />
Ending<br />
HIV Starts<br />
with Us<br />
Take Charge<br />
of Your Health<br />
Here’s what you can do:<br />
} Know your status. Get<br />
tested and encourage<br />
others.<br />
} Support one another,<br />
break the stigma, and be<br />
an ally.<br />
} Stay informed: Attend<br />
local events, and<br />
workshops, and get<br />
involved.<br />
In every small action, there lies<br />
the power to create significant<br />
change. Let’s stand together<br />
as a community to end the HIV<br />
epidemic in our Tri-State areas.<br />
Your involvement matters.<br />
HIV Treatment<br />
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Suppresses the virus, reducing viral load and<br />
preventing transmission.<br />
28 Nerd | <strong>Mar</strong>+<strong>Apr</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | focuslgbt.com
Change language