Bold, Fearless & Informed: Women Leading the Fight Against HIV
Disclaimer: Volunteers in Medicine stands in support of our community and those affected by HIV/AIDS, recognizing the importance of awareness and access to care. However, we do not provide services for individuals with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS or those who have been exposed to HIV/AIDS. If you are seeking resources or support, we encourage you to explore the information provided in this blog and connect with community organizations such as CAN Community Health, JASMYN, Reza Clinic, the Ryan White Foundation, and many others within Jacksonville and beyond. These organizations are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to those in need. We are committed to fostering a healthier community and deeply appreciate our partners who advocate for and support individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
We are not shying away from this discussion any longer. Let’s talk about it. Queen Bey (Beyonce’) said it best with her iconic song, “Who Runs the World, Girls”
“My persuasion can build a nation Endless power, with our love, we can devour This goes out to all the women getting’ it in
You on yo grind
To other men that respect what I do Please accept my shine”
So, let’s talk about the power we have that has ruled the countries, kingdoms, and the world for centuries and is a driving internal force for women. It connects us regardless of socioeconomic status, religion, race, zip code, language, disability, or marital status.
Now, when I say “P”, what am I talking about? You may feel somewhat embarrassed saying it out loud but say it with confidence. You have the power, so say it loud and proud!
Prevention and Partnership! If you thought of anything else, we can be friends and should have lunch soon.
WE LISTEN AND WE DON’T JUDGE!
Now that I have your attention, let’s take a quick health assessment together. In the last 12 months, check if you have completed these annual health check-ups:
□ Conducted monthly self-breast exams
□ Had a well visit with your PCP
□ Had a least one dental visit
□ Had a pelvic exam/pap smear
□ Had a comprehensive health assessment with bloodwork
□ Had an eye exam
□ Had an STI screening**
□ Had an HIV Test**
**Regardless of marital status
Did you pause when you read the last two statements? Did you feel uncomfortable and clutch your pearls? That’s ok, we will get through this together. March is nationally recognized as Women’s History Month. On March 10, we annually recognize National Women & Girl’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Discussing HIV/AIDS and getting tested is just as important as your heart health, your breast health, your well woman visits, your eye exams, your dental exams, your mental health, and all the other tests we get. Even if you only get one HIV test a year, get it!
Did you know in 2022, 19% of the new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas were among women and 23% of all people living with HIV were women. 1
https://aidsvu.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/02_Info_Women_And_Girls-2.png 1
Let’s Take A Closer Look – Area 4
According to the Florida Department of Health, in 2022, 73 women were diagnosed with HIV in Area 4 (Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns counties). In the same year, there were 8,067 women living with HIV in Area 4 and 49% of those women were aged 50+. This is your friendly but assertive reminder that HIV does not have an age limit. There is this long held belief that HIV is a disease that only affects “them” because they are homeless, gay, engaging in survival sex, promiscuous, or due to addiction. Did you know that 43% or 3,479 women in Area 4 reported they acquired HIV through heterosexual contact.2 Therefore, that antiquated ideology isn’t true. HIV affects EVERYBODY. Some reading this are saying, “Well I don’t know anyone diagnosed with HIV.” Yes, you do. Ever heard of Magic Johnson, Arthur Ashe, Freddie Mercury, Billy Porter, Charlie Sheen, Robert Reed, Anthony Perkins, Liberace, Pedro Zamora, Eazy E, Rock Hudson, or Ryan White?
Department of Health HIV/AIDS Section, floridaaids.org
PREVENTION
HIV is 100% preventable. We can do this together, but we must be honest with ourselves in doing our work in self-reflection. Review the statements below and check all that apply.
□ I have had condomless sex in the last 12 months (vaginal, anal, or oral).
□ I have not been tested for HIV in the last 12 months.
□ I am unsure if my annual labs conducted by my PCP included an HIV test.
□ I am unaware of my current or most recent sexual and/or needle sharing partner’s HIV status.
□ I have had survival sex for money, food, shelter, clothing, safety, resources, or other items in the last 12 months.
If you checked any of the statements above, get an HIV test! If you didn’t check any of the above statements, get an HIV test! This is also a great time to consider PrEP, an antiretroviral medication taken as a daily pill or a long-acting injection taken before exposure to HIV. PrEP is for individuals who are HIV negative and requires routine HIV testing every three months. Do you know where to get free HIV tests? Do you want more information about PrEP/nPEP ? Visit www.hivcarenow.com for a list of HIV testing sites and other resources.
**PrEP/nPEP do not protect against other STIs or pregnancy. PrEP/nPEP is not for individuals living with HIV.**
PARTNERSHIP
I know that was a lot of information. However, if you have made it this far, I’m proud of you. Keep going. Now, let’s discuss how we can partner together in our continued fight against HIV. We need everyone at the table, including you because HIV affects everyone and is 100% preventable! I’m calling on persons living with HIV/AIDS, individuals HIV negative, health professionals at all levels, front desk clerks, counselors, case managers, stay-at-home parents, cashiers, baristas, and every role in between at the table. Your HIV knowledge is not a determining factor in whether you should get involved. Your commitment in reducing the number of new HIV cases and ensuring access to care through a unified message about prevention and awareness where we work, live, play, and worship is vital. Your participation matters at our monthly First Coast Community AIDS Prevention Partnership or Community Connections meetings where we strategically plan innovative events and conferences throughout the year around HIV/AIDS. Please visit the Northeast Florida World AIDS Day Committee’s website and view their calendar for upcoming meetings and activities at www.neflworldaidsday.com.
On September 18, 2024, Mayor Donna Deegan signed the Paris Declaration which designated Jacksonville as the fourth city in Florida as being part of the Fast-Track Cities. The goal in Ending the HIV Epidemic includes the commitment to 95-95-95; 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of people living with HIV are in care through antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of people living with HIV are virally suppressed/ undetectable. There is a newly enacted HIV Steering Committee that has been tasked with creating a comprehensive needs assessment survey that identifies barriers in accessing HIV care and resources, awareness of PrEP/nPEP, HIV stigma, and overall knowledge about HIV in all our communities.
Some Useful Links for HIV Information and Data:
· Department of Health HIV/AIDS Section - floridaaids.org
· Department of Health, FLHeathCHARTS - FLHealthCHARTS.gov: Home
· Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Dashboard - https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/EHE/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=Overview
· CDC HIV Surveillance Reports (State and Metro Data) - cdc.gov/hiv/library/reports/hiv- surveillance.html
· CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (Special Articles on Diseases, Including HIV) - cdc.gov/mmwr
· U.S. Census Data (Available by State and County) - census.gov
· World Health Organization: who.int/data/gho/data/themes/hiv-aids
Final Thoughts
I hope this information was helpful, thought provoking, and emphasized the importance of the power you hold in Prevention and Partnership. For the rest of this month and year, stand in your power and know that all aspects of your health are important. Let’s talk about HIV/AIDS where we live, work, play, and worship. Please remember, the next time someone makes a disparaging comment or shares inaccurate information about HIV, please stand in your truth and confidence when you correct them from a place of love. We are bonded in our Sister Circle. Continue learning, protecting, and encouraging one another.
