Recent data show that while Arizona’s rate of HIV infection has gone up slightly from the previous year, the rate of death from complications from the disease has decreased. This positive trend is due to multiple prevention methods, but most prominently the use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) improve outcomes at the highest rate. Access to medication [...]
New HIV cases increased over the past year and so has access to services for those who need them. The rise in cases follows a dip in newly diagnosed cases due to reduced testing during COVID-19 lockdowns and mitigation measures. The HIV Surveillance program’s latest Annual Report shows there were 975 new cases in 2022 [...]
Every five years, the HIV Surveillance Program at ADHS produces an integrated epidemiologic profile that describes the characteristics of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in Arizona. The 2013-2017 Integrated Epidemiologic Profile provides a five-year snapshot of the sociodemographic, geographic, and behavioral factors associated with HIV/AIDS, along with health outcomes among PLWH. This report is a [...]
Last week, Arizona had the honor of hosting Dr. Robert Redfield, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to discuss his initiative to End the HIV Epidemic. During his time in Arizona, Dr. Redfield was able to learn about the efforts of many innovative organizations in Arizona serving people living with HIV/AIDS [...]
Today the Arizona Department of Health Services join all Arizonans in the recognition of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day was established in 1988 as opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who have passed. This year, we also have [...]
Last week our HIV Prevention Program, the Ryan White Part B Program, and the Ryan White Part A Program of Maricopa County presented the third annual HIV symposium. More than 260 people attended, representing state and local health departments, community-based organizations, clinical providers, community leaders, and people living with HIV. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton kicked [...]
Two scientific advances have provided the tools needed to end the HIV epidemic. First, for people who are not infected with HIV, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 90%. Second, people living with HIV who get into medical care, take their HIV medicine and become virally suppressed are [...]
Late last week we awarded two new community-based contracts for the new Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) funds: BJ Youth Foundation and Mariposa Community Health Center. PREP is the new federal program from the Affordable Care Act that requires programs educate adolescents on both abstinence and contraception to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. This [...]
Maybe you’ve read or heard about my experience with my colonoscopy when I turned 50 (OK, I was 51). For years doctors have recommended getting a colonoscopy when you turn 50. If doctors see something unusual like a polyp, they can remove it while they're in there - which is what happened to me. But until this [...]
