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Local AIDS workers say Memphis’ role
as a new epicenter of HIV reflects a host of contributing factors.
CDC data show than in 2010,
metropolitan Memphis had the nation’s fifth-highest proportion of newly
HIV-infected residents with 33.7 per 100,000 population. Only Miami, which was
tops with a rate of 49.7; Baton Rouge, La.; Jackson, Miss.; and New Orleans
ranked higher.
Kim Daugherty, executive director of
the Memphis-based HIV/AIDS nonprofit Friends for Life, said these cities’
metropolitan areas all share some common features: They are located in the
South and have large black populations, high levels of poverty, large health
care disparities, and soaring STD rates. “We have sort of a perfect storm for
HIV,” she noted.
The local epidemic is exacerbated by
the fact that Memphis ranks second-to-last in meeting the HIV-related needs of
black men who have sex with men, according to a recent report by the Black AIDS
Institute. Only Gary, Ind., fared worse.
Memphian Marvell L. Terry II
recalled his initial reaction to the phone call with test results indicating he
was HIV-positive. “I went back to work like nothing happened,” he said. The
26-year-old has since formed a foundation providing support to those diagnosed
or affected by the diagnosis of a loved one.
But on reflection, Terry attributed
his initial response - numbness, and unwillingness to face facts - to the
stigma against AIDS and homosexuality prevalent in the black community. “I
think we are a culture that is not willing to have that conversation about HIV
and AIDS,” he said.
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.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
