Black PLWHA Face Higher Rates of Incarceration, Longer Sentences

Maxx Boykin, Co-Chair, BTAN Chicago Advocacy and Co-Manager, HIV Prevention Justice Alliance
The hyperpolicing of Black bodies doesn't merely occur as people walk, drive, breathe or engage in other daily activities while Black. Two recent studies document the extent to which Black people are criminalized for having HIV/AIDS—and how disproportionately they are penalized compared to White PLWHA, who experience criminalization as well.
Read more: Black PLWHA Face Higher Rates of Incarceration, Longer Sentences
In This Issue

As we near the onset of Suicide Prevention Month, we share new research new research that shows that people who are hospitalized as a result of a serious infection are more likely to commit suicide than others, with PLWHA and those with Hep C having two times the suicide risk of people with other types of infections. Read on to learn about a possible new link between inflammation and depressive symptoms.
Serious Infections Tied to Suicide Risk

Study suggests biological basis for suicide among those with serious infections.
People hospitalized for serious infections may face an increased risk of dying by suicide, and researchers suspect there's a biological reason for it.
Children Exposed To Hepatitis C May Be Missing Out On Treatment

Some children have hepatitis C and the parents don't realize it
Several times a month, Jessica Wen, a pediatrician specializing in liver diseases, has a teenager show up at her clinic at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with an unexpected diagnosis: hepatitis C.
Read more: Children Exposed To Hepatitis C May Be Missing Out On Treatment
On the Horizon

Amy Lansky, Ph.D., MPH, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, The White House
The next few months are an important time for our community to gather, reflect on the progress of recent years, and continue moving forward. With many opportunities to connect, ONAP will continue to emphasize the National HIV/AIDS Strategy [PDF 2.18 MB], and we're seeking to highlight activities that are bringing us closer to our national goals.