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A new interactive map developed by Emory University utilizes state and regional statistics to identify US areas with the highest HIV rates. Patrick Sullivan, an Emory associate professor of epidemiology, hopes the map will help pinpoint areas requiring the greatest prevention support and encourage action there. “Are we matching up the services, the testing, the care resources to the communities that are most impacted?” Sullivan asked.
CDC data indicate that 1.1 million people in the United States are HIV-positive. Emory collaborated with state health departments and CDC in gleaning data for the map.
The map affords regional and nationwide viewpoints unobtainable by surveying state data in isolation, said Sullivan. For example, the Southeast region is home to some of the highest US HIV statistics. “People look at this map and almost without exception say, ‘Wow,’” Sullivan said.
The map also permits users to assess HIV rates along race, gender, and age lines. Sullivan said the disproportionate rates among African Americans and Hispanics are related to disparities in wealth, as well as access to fundamental health care services and HIV testing.
Tracy Elliott, executive director of the nonprofit AID Atlanta, described the impact of these disparities on African-American communities as “significant and tragic.”
To access the interactive map, visit http://www.AIDSVu.org.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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