On Sunday, Dec. 1 – World AIDS Day – the Westchester County Department of Health is encouraging residents to show support for people living with a positive HIV status and honor the more than 32 million people worldwide who have died from an AIDS-related illness by working to address and reduce HIV stigma.
“Advancements in HIV treatment have made it possible for people with HIV to live healthy lives and prevent transmission to others,” Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, M.D., said. “Research has shown that when a person with HIV is on treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load, they will not transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Greater awareness of this can foster a more supportive environment free of stigma. Everyone should know their HIV status, and free testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and preventive services are available through the County Health Department.”
An estimated 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV, and 13% of them are not aware of their diagnosis and need for testing, according to HIV.GOV. HIV continues to have a disproportionate effect on racial and ethnic minorities and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Although there are effective treatments for HIV, there is still no cure and no vaccine to prevent it.
HIV stigma can adversely affect access to HIV testing and treatments like PrEP, which when taken daily can prevent HIV in people who are most at risk. This is not to be confused with PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, a medicine taken to prevent HIV after a possible exposure.) For people with HIV, stigma can create barriers to HIV treatment, viral suppression and other medical care.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer is asking residents to wear a red ribbon to commemorate World AIDS Day and the fight against HIV stigma, adding:
“Together with the advocates and health-care workers who provide compassionate care, we can champion a supportive community that can reduce stigma and improve health outcomes for all those affected by this disease.”
Free, rapid and regular HIV testing and PrEP are offered at 134 Court St. in White Plains. (PrEP is a preventive treatment that when taken daily can prevent HIV in people who are most at risk, and PEP or post-exposure prophylaxis is medicine taken to prevent HIV after a possible exposure.) Residents can call 914-995-5800 for dates and times or view the clinic schedule at www.westchestergov.com/health.
Through a partnership with the Urban League of Westchester, the Health Department also offers free, rapid HIV testing on-site at the Syringe Exchange Program, 4 Wilson Place, Mount Vernon
