Living nearly two years in the age of COVID-19, it can be easy to forget the millions of people in the U.S. and globally who are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. That’s why it’s so important on December 1, World AIDS Day, to remember and honor the lives we have lost due to AIDS-related complications while also continuing to create awareness among the communities disproportionately impacted by the virus.

There are nearly 1.2 million people in the U.S. with HIV and more than 150,000 of those — or 13% — don’t know it and need to be tested. AIDS is one of the leading causes of death in low-income nations, with more than 161,000 people dying in 2019.

The rate of HIV infections and number of AIDS-related deaths have dropped dramatically since the overwhelming and rapid cases started nearly 40 years ago. Still, it’s estimated that nearly 35,000 people were infected in 2019, the most recent year data is available. It’s only an estimate because a significant number of people become HIV-positive, but never get tested.

Ending AIDS

World AIDS Day is the first global health day created to boost awareness and push for change.

It’s estimated that 38 million people have the virus. Since it was identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

However, it is no longer a death sentence as proven by NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who announced he was infected 30 years ago in November. Advancements in treatment are allowing people to live symptom-free, and when taking it daily as prescribed, the virus can become undetectable and untransmittable.

What communities are affected?

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are most affected by HIV in the U.S. They accounted for 69% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. in 2019. Among the MSM population, Black men accounted for 36% of the diagnoses while white men were 30%.

Among all genders, Black people have the highest rate of infection at 42.1%, followed by Latinos at 21.7%. Those of multiple races represent 18.4% of new infections. People aged 25-34 had the highest infection rates at 30.1% followed by those aged 35-44 at 16.5%. HIV prevalence was 9.2% for Transgender people in 2019, compared to less than 0.5% for U.S. adults overall. Even though different communities experience varying rates of infection, HIV can and does impact people from all walks of life.

Stopping the Spread

Getting tested is the first step people can take to know their status, choose their preferred options to protect their sexual health, and create awareness in the community. AltaMed offers free and confidential HIV testing in person or we can provide you an at-home HIV test that is easy to take.

There are also multiple ways to lower the risk of contracting HIV.
 

• Less risky sexual behavior — Anal and vaginal sex have the highest chance of transmitting HIV, while there is little to no risk of getting HIV through oral sex.
• Properly use condoms — They are highly effective in stopping the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using water-based or silicone-based lubricants will also help prevent condoms from breaking or slipping during sex.
• Take PrEP — It stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is prescribed to people who are HIV-negative and would like an extra layer of protection. It is highly effective at preventing sexually-transmitted HIV when taken exactly as prescribed.
• Don’t share needles — Always use new, clean syringes, and never share injection equipment.
• Use bleach — New syringes are always better than disinfected syringes. Using bleach, however, can greatly reduce the risk.
• Get tested — Diagnosis can lead to treatment. The earlier treatment starts, the more effective it will be in preventing transmission to your baby.
• Get treated — Taking HIV mediation as prescribed throughout pregnancy and childbirth, along with giving HIV medicine to your baby for four to six weeks after giving birth, drops the chances of transmission to 1% or less, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Knowledge Is Power

AltaMed provides a full range of services related to HIV and STI testing and prevention as well as treatment. If you are seeking services call the Patient Service Center at (323) 869-5448 in Los Angeles County or (714) 500-0491 in Orange County.

If you have been diagnosed recently with HIV, we want to assure you that we are here to help with your medical care, connecting you to the best doctors, and providing resources like one-on-one counseling. Click here to learn more about the HIV care services available to you.

June is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s strides in civil rights and liberation as well as commemorating those lost in current and previous generations to hate, ignorance, and intolerance. It’s also a good time to examine the nuanced needs of the LGBTQ+ community, especially when it comes to health care, and how we as a community can make access to resources for all a reality.

Cultural stigma and in large part ignorance about the LGBTQ+ community has been one of the biggest hurdles in this journey. One vivid example of this still remembered and commemorated during Pride month is the AIDS epidemic. Health officials first became aware of AIDS in the summer of 1981, and by 1985 AIDS had already ravaged the United States for four years. Only then did President Ronald Raegan publicly acknowledge the AIDS epidemic that had already affected at least 15,527 people and killed more than 12,529.

While there has been some progress in recent years for more inclusive health care, there has also been a surge of dangerous efforts to undermine that progress in recent administrations of national and state government. AltaMed continues to provide services and work toward eliminating the disparities that affect the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups.

Addressing disparities

The LGBTQ community is identified as a “health disparity population” by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

Systemic prejudice has historically kept many from receiving the care they need — from basic services like mental health to more complex treatments like care related to gender reassignment therapy and so much more. The issues are complex, and numbers are staggering.

According to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine:
 

• LGBTQ Youth are four times more likely than straight youth to make a suicide attempt requiring medical attention.
• LGBTQ Americans face an increased risk of violent attacks due to their sexual and gender status.
• Nearly three-fourths of transgender people have been the victims of discrimination when seeking health care.
• One in five transgender people have been denied care by a provider.
• Transgender people are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to cisgender individuals.
• Transgender people of color are four times as likely to be unemployed.
• Mental health coverage for the LGBTQ community has decreased despite the increased need for mental health support.
• Trans women of color account for four out of five anti-trans homicides.

Allies can offer support by working to understand the issues that disproportionately affect the LGTBQ+ community and continue to deconstruct the cultural stigma that still exists.

STI care, prevention, and support

While anyone can contract HIV, most new cases each year are among gay and bisexual men according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are disparities here as well, with Black and Hispanic gay and bisexual men representing the majority of new diagnoses. Gay and bisexual men ages 13 to 34 also represent the majority of new cases each year. But like any sexually transmitted infection (STI), HIV is completely preventable.

There are new and numerous ways to prevent the transmission of STIs, HIV, and Hepatitis C, yet this increased risk is largely due to our education system’s shortcomings in effective sexual education. In addition to health education and information, AltaMed offers condoms, rapid HIV testing, STI screening, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Our HIV prevention specialists make these available and explain how all these options can minimize your risk and benefit your health.

AltaMed is one of the largest HIV service providers in Los Angeles and Orange counties serving more than 2,000 patients. Our multicultural and bilingual physicians and staff can help you explore your care options so you can make the best decisions that support your sexual health and overall well-being. AltaMed provides eligible patients with medical services, medications, and other important health and community resources at low or no cost.

If you are looking for ways to reduce your risk for HIV or if you received an HIV diagnosis and need help starting and stay in care, call our Patient Service Center in Los Angeles County at (323) 869-5448 or Orange County at (714) 500-0491.

More than 50 years in the community

AltaMed was founded on the idea that everyone should have access to affordable care that’s close to home and reflects their community. That care is available to everyone, regardless of whom they love, how they identify, or where they come from.

Our dedicated team of caring and experienced professionals are here to provide communities with a lifetime of care. We build partnership with community organizations, elected officials, schools, and more to build communities that are better places to live, work, and play.

Follow this link to get started with AltaMed today.