What messages about HIV do you have to continue to reaffirm through the pandemic?
HIV is preventable. Please reach out to local community-based organizations that will provide you with confidential and free resources and support. Additionally, at-home HIV testing is also available for free online through https://together.takemehome.org/.
What is a misconception you would like to clear up about HIV?
There is also a misconception about prevention options for HIV. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a daily retroviral medication that has been found to reduce transmission of HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. In addition to PrEP, there is also a Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), a medication that can be taken within 72 hours following potential exposure to the virus to prevent HIV. Like Plan B [morning after pill for pregnancy prevention] for HIV prevention. Many patients in the South, especially women, are not being made aware of these prevention options.
What is your organization working on currently?
SAC works to provide spaces for dialogue and strategy that will get us closer to ending the southern HIV epidemic. If we don’t address racial injustice, housing instability, and economic disparities — we will not meet our goal. It will take all of us — and that is SAC’s approach.
