World Aids Day
Just two weeks ago, actor Charlie Sheen shocked the world when he unveiled the secret that he is HIV positive. Sheen is one of 1.1 million diagnosed with the illness that could lead to AIDS. In honor of World Aids Day, USM Gulf Park held an event highlighting the importance of learning about this life-changing disease. News 25’s Kristen Durand shows us the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in South Mississippi.
It’s been over 30 years since AIDS emerged as a deadly disease. According to the Foundation for AIDS Research, an estimated 5,600 people contract HIV every day. That number is increasing, especially in Mississippi where the state has the 10th highest rate of new infection cases in the country. South Mississippi AIDS Task Force Executive Director Brian Bourn said, “Access to care, access to testing, access to education and knowledge about the disease is one of the hurdles that we face in South Mississippi.”
Bourn says South Mississippi has seen a dramatic increase in new cases over the years, especially in the six southern counties: Pearl River, Stone, George, Harrison, Jackson and Hancock. Even more alarming, there are more cases among young people ages 13 to 24. “There is progress. We have PREP, which is pre-exposure prophylaxis and it is offering a way for individuals who are in relationships where one partner is HIV positive and the other is not to safely have sex,” said Bourn.
A handmade quilt on display at USM’s Gulf Park campus is a special section of a 54-ton international quilt that stands as a memorial to those lost to AIDS, in support of those living day-to-day with the disease, and to promote education. “People with HIV, Aids are just like anyone else in the community. There’s nothing wrong with them, outside of their status,” said Bourn.
This year’s theme is ‘Getting to Zero’ and Bourn says being tested and knowing your status is a good place to start because prevention is key. USM grad student Angelica Alderman said, “We offer here on campus rapid testing for HIV. It’s free for students, we do it year round. We have a nurse who is on campus for that.”
To support those living with HIV or AIDS in our community, the South Mississippi AIDS Task Force is holding their fifth annual Bridge for Life Walk this Saturday at the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge at 8 a.m. For more information, visit SMATF.org.
It’s been over 30 years since AIDS emerged as a deadly disease. According to the Foundation for AIDS Research, an estimated 5,600 people contract HIV every day. That number is increasing, especially in Mississippi where the state has the 10th highest rate of new infection cases in the country. South Mississippi AIDS Task Force Executive Director Brian Bourn said, “Access to care, access to testing, access to education and knowledge about the disease is one of the hurdles that we face in South Mississippi.”
Bourn says South Mississippi has seen a dramatic increase in new cases over the years, especially in the six southern counties: Pearl River, Stone, George, Harrison, Jackson and Hancock. Even more alarming, there are more cases among young people ages 13 to 24. “There is progress. We have PREP, which is pre-exposure prophylaxis and it is offering a way for individuals who are in relationships where one partner is HIV positive and the other is not to safely have sex,” said Bourn.
A handmade quilt on display at USM’s Gulf Park campus is a special section of a 54-ton international quilt that stands as a memorial to those lost to AIDS, in support of those living day-to-day with the disease, and to promote education. “People with HIV, Aids are just like anyone else in the community. There’s nothing wrong with them, outside of their status,” said Bourn.
This year’s theme is ‘Getting to Zero’ and Bourn says being tested and knowing your status is a good place to start because prevention is key. USM grad student Angelica Alderman said, “We offer here on campus rapid testing for HIV. It’s free for students, we do it year round. We have a nurse who is on campus for that.”
To support those living with HIV or AIDS in our community, the South Mississippi AIDS Task Force is holding their fifth annual Bridge for Life Walk this Saturday at the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge at 8 a.m. For more information, visit SMATF.org.
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