NATIONAL HIV RATES DECLINED BY 12%
Positive Wellness Alliance
400 E Center St
Lexington, NC 27292
Contact: Isaiah Fletcher
336.837.8454
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATIONAL HIV RATES DECLINED BY 12%
Lexington, NC (June 6, 2023) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that between 2017 and 2022, national HIV rates decreased by 12%. The CDC attributed this to a significant drop in infections among young people ages 13 - 24 through national and local efforts to use PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). However, the CDC did report a disparity among gay and bisexual men, black women, and in the United States Regional South, all of whom have higher rates. The CDC said that access to preventive medical treatment and lower medical adherence are potential factors. One in eight individuals who are HIV positive do not know their status. Though that number is high, it is progress when compared to the previously reported one in seven.
“We are elated to see that the work over the past decade has started to bear fruit,” said Sophia Russell, Executive Director of Positive Wellness Alliance. “Positive Wellness Alliance works every day to ensure that those affected by HIV and AIDS don’t suffer and survive, but are given an opportunity to live in longevity.
“A key part of that is having crucial conversations surrounding prevention and PrEP,” she said. “We’re honored that we’re able to make an impact in our area, contributing to a larger national goal.”
Positive Wellness Alliance routinely connects those who are at risk for HIV to PrEP using local, state, and national resources. According to the CDC, PrEP is 99% effective in preventing HIV in those who are at risk. Positive Wellness Alliance provides services for those who are HIV positive and supplies information for HIV prevention.
“PrEP plays a major role in what we do,” said Michael Anders, Supportive Services Director for Positive Wellness Alliance. “PrEP is a conversation we have with intimate partners of our internal partners, at community events, colleges, universities, and anyone who’s willing to listen. One of the crucial aspects of any health diagnosis is prevention, PrEP is part of prevention for HIV and AIDS.”
Positive Wellness Alliance is a 501c(3) organization that assists people living with HIV/AIDS in eight counties in North Carolina: Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Iredell, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin.
The organization provides medical and housing case management and financial assistance to those who are HIV positive in that service area. Since 2017 Positive Wellness Alliance has helped more than 300 individuals a year, provided 25,000 services, and spent close to $2.5 million on client services.
For more information about Positive Wellness Alliance, visit www.postivewellnessalliance.org.