News 2016
With Better Data, a Foundation for Stronger HIV Prevention
Eugene McCray, M.D., Director, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
High quality data form the backbone of our nation's HIV response. National surveillance of HIV cases provides the critical information we need to set prevention priorities, allocate limited prevention resources, and measure our collective progress against the disease.
Read more: With Better Data, a Foundation for Stronger HIV Prevention
Syringe Services Programs: Effective for HIV Prevention
Sterile needles ready for exchange
According to the latest CDC Vital Signs report, only 1 in 4 people who inject drugs (PWID) in 22 US cities reported getting all their needles from sterile sources, and one-third (33%) reported sharing a needle within the past year. Sharing needles and syringes is a direct route of transmission for HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses.
Read more: Syringe Services Programs: Effective for HIV Prevention
In This Issue
While HIV/AIDS is global in reach it is extremely local in impact. People get infected (or not) in local communities. They get tested (or not) in local communities. They get treated (or not) in local communities. Everytihng about HIV happens in local communities. Any effort to end the epidemic has to be centered in local communities.
BTAN Charlotte Bridging the Gap Between Church and Community
Jeffrey Edwards Knight, Solita Jeffries, Darrin K. Johnson, Hannah Stutts, and Jaysen Foreman of BTAN Charlotte
Stigma remains a major challenge when it comes to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but not only can the faith community play a huge role in reducing it, but many spiritual communities also stand ready and willing to lend a hand, said panelists at an AIDS 2016 Local Update event in Charlotte, N.C.
Read more: BTAN Charlotte Bridging the Gap Between Church and Community
Forging Connections: BTAN Melbourne Engages the Faith-Based Community
John Curry and Yolanda Price of BTAN Melbourne
Creating a fruitful partnership between HIV/AIDS advocacy groups and faith-based organizations can be tricky. However, the Melbourne, Fla., chapter of the Black Treatment Advocates Network (BTAN) has worked side by side with Kingdom Life Church of God in Christ to educate the local community about the epidemic and how to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. In a roundtable discussion, BTAN Melbourne co-chairs John Curry and Yolanda Price and Kingdom Life Church of God in Christ faith-committee leader Pastor Sean Benjamin Brown share their thoughts on why their alliance has worked.
Read more: Forging Connections: BTAN Melbourne Engages the Faith-Based Community