The HIV epidemic is on the rise in Michigan. Currently, just over 17,000 residents are living with the disease. Detroit LHD, which encompasses the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park and the Grosse Pointes, has the highest prevalence of cases across the state. As cases climb, organizations are getting involved to help stop the spread and bring awareness about the illness.
December is HIV Awareness Month and despite continued efforts in sexual education, the virus continues to plague communities. Black men are the top carriers in the state while Black women hold the third position in numbers across the state.
Matrix Human Services is launching an eight-week campaign geared towards prevention and awareness. The organization will run a multi-media communications campaign across Detroit with messaging about at-home testing services, education about HIV prevention medications and safe sex practices.
“We expect to generate a good deal of awareness about the HIV prevention and care services Matrix Human Services Community Health Division offers in the Detroit area, first and foremost to serve the growing number of people infected with this disease, particularly young Black men, through education and medical resources,” said David Perkins, vice president of community health for Matrix Human Services.
The 1980’s were a pivotal time in history. The AIDS epidemic affected many, but little was known about the disease. Since that time, medicine has evolved allowing those infected to live long healthy lives with little risk of transmission.
“Not only is HIV infection preventable, but it is also treatable, not shameful, and not a death sentence for those living with HIV/AIDS. The Community Health Division of Matrix Human Services offers personal, safe, anonymous prevention and multi-level healthcare resources, and we want to make sure our entire community knows how to access these resources,” Perkins added.
STD and STI cases for Detroiters are some of the highest rates seen. As of July 2019, a diagnosis rate of 33.7 new cases per 100,000 residents impacts Detroiters. This rate is cause for alarm as it is over 3.5 times more than the next highest jurisdiction; Lenawee County which represents none new cases per 100,000.
HIV is also a problem for high-risk youth. Though reports show there were no reported new cases of HIV for persons age 15 and younger in 2020, the fight to stay ahead of the curve is everlasting. The media campaign will also address this tender-aged community. The multi-media campaign will run 30 television commercials, print and digital ads, neighborhood billboards, mobile marketing, public relations and social media initiatives.
“Federal funding for this media campaign and the many prevention and care resources we offer our community at risk due to rising HIV infections come through the city of Detroit Ryan White national program and our continuous grassroots fund raising and grant applications,” Perkins said. “People simply need to know that HIV is preventable, certainly treatable, and they can get the services they need right here in their community through Matrix Human Services.”
Matrix Human Services partnered with healthcare organizations like Beaumont Westland, Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe, Be Well Medical Centers and others for the media campaign. The campaign will also highlight the organization’s care resources for those who test positive for HIV. Services offered by Matrix staff include direct medical care, case management, mental health counseling, home health care, non-medical case management, and co-pay assistance, including deductibles.
The Detroit Health Department offers two programs for those living with HIV; The Ryan White Program which assists with medical and support services and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, or HOPWA, a program that helps with housing.
There is help available for those seeking to have a HIV test. Testing can be anonymous and free of charge. Knowing your status can help stop the spread of the virus. For those living with the virus, organizations are available to provide support to navigate the diagnosis
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