| If you explore the AIDSVu map, an interactive map that illustrates HIV/AIDS data around the U.S., you might notice something startling: the areas with the highest rates of people living with AIDS tend to be clustered in the South.
Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day takes place on August 20 and highlights the importance of recognizing the factors that might cause higher HIV rates in the Southern U.S. Researchers say that many things—including social determinants of health—contribute to these rates. For example, communities in the South are often more spread out with less public transportation. It can be hard to reach a doctor’s office regularly to receive HIV prevention medication or other medical services.
RHHD Health Educator Darcy Strayer says that the observation should also remind us to pay attention to disparities in HIV diagnoses. Because the majority of Black Americans—more than 56%—live in the South, there is a relationship between racial and geographic disparities. “Black women, both cis and trans, made up more than 47% of new HIV diagnoses in 2022,” Darcy says. “Here in the South where many of our residents are Black women, it’s especially important to help empower our Black sisters to prioritize themselves and use HIV prevention methods like PrEP.”
Organizations like the Southern AIDS Coalition are working to make sure that health insurance, transportation, access to medical care, and community stigma aren’t barriers for people who need HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment resources. Here’s what you can do on this important observation day:
- Learn more about the social determinants of health and how they affect our lives. Training our brains to see the connections between economics, education, urban planning, and health can take time. As we begin to understand these relationships, we can take steps to advocate for healthy changes in our communities.
- Get tested for HIV and other STIs. Knowing your status is an essential step in maintaining sexual health. Treatment and support exists no matter your status. Help care providers tailor support to your specific needs.
- If you are HIV-negative, talk to a care provider to find out if PrEP is a good option for protecting yourself against HIV in the future.
“We are worth the time it takes to get an HIV test, pursue prevention methods like PrEP, and focus on our individual health,” Darcy says. They add that sexual healthcare is family healthcare: “In the South, we are passionate about families that come in all shapes and configurations. Having consistent stigma-free and affordable options for sexual healthcare keeps families healthy!” |
