Breaking The Stigma: Innovative Approaches to AIDS Awareness
Research shows that, even in communities where sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment and testing are widely and affordably available, social stigma remains a prevalent and significant barrier to the utilization of these services, especially in the case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Defeating this stigma is a pivotal step to reducing the spread of these conditions, and organizations like Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc. (Hope & Help) are approaching this endeavor with empathy and compassion.
We’re excited to share a special article with you today from our very own Lisa Barr, Executive Director here at Hope & Help.
DEFEATING THE STIGMA AROUND STIS
Although preventive resources are widely available in many communities, some people may not seek them out until it is too late to prevent their spread. From social and religious stigma to seemingly innocent jokes that give people the false perception that an STI diagnosis is something to be embarrassed about, this stigma remains one of the largest obstacles to people not receiving the care they need to take control of their sexual wellness.
Furthermore, even though STI treatments have significantly changed over the past decades, there is still a dangerous amount of misinformation circulating about them. Advances in medicine have made it possible for people to live long, healthy lives despite their diagnosis without the risk of spreading STIs. People must realize that there is no shame in an STI diagnosis. Most are manageable or treatable and are some of the most common medical diagnoses in the world.
Young people are disproportionately affected by this STI epidemic, with the CDC reporting that 19% of new HIV diagnoses in 2021 were among young people aged 13 to 24. At the same time, a mere 6% of high school students were reported to have ever been tested to determine their HIV status. This data further highlights how young people frequently do not have access to the resources and education they need to stop the spread of preventable STIs.
HOW HOPE & HELP SERVES THE COMMUNITY TO CURB THE SPREAD OF STIS
Thankfully, organizations like Hope & Help are here to serve their communities with the education and resources they need to live healthy lives. Through a variety of HIV and STI preventative and treatment services, along with other sexual wellness and primary care services, Hope & Help strives to help its community curb the transmission of HIV and other STIs.
“We believe that healthcare is a basic human right everyone needs to live their best life,” says Lisa Barr, Executive Director of Hope & Help. “That’s why we offer programs and health services specifically created to benefit all communities, especially historically underserved, marginalized communities. HIV is a health issue — nothing more, nothing less — and it needs to be viewed accordingly. No one cares if you are diabetic, have hypertension, or any other chronic disease, so it makes no sense that HIV is demonized.”
Like many community-based clinics, Hope & Help also offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescriptions to those who are HIV-negative but at risk of contracting the disease. For those who take PrEP as prescribed, studies have shown that it is up to 99% effective at reducing the risk of sexual transmission of HIV, and even higher when PrEP is used in combination with other forms of protection, namely condoms. They also offer post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) prescriptions that, when started within 72 hours of a potential HIV exposure, help prevent HIV from occurring. These are just two of many ways Hope & Help helps connect those in the community with the resources they need to maximize their sexual wellness.
One of the more unique programs offered by Hope & Help is its syringe service program, which allows individuals who intravenously inject drugs to exchange used syringes for new syringes in a free and anonymous one-for-one exchange. This program is made possible through the Infectious Disease Elimination Act (IDEA) with the goal of stopping the spread of infectious diseases, like HIV and Hepatitis C, by those who inject drugs. As a result, the program helps reduce the risk to intravenous drug users of acquiring these preventable diseases while also reducing the litter of drug paraphernalia in the community, reducing overdoses and emergency room visits.
Hope & Help’s free condom program, “Protect Your O,” also stands out due to its astounding level of convenience and discretion. Through this program, residents of Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Brevard, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County can sign up to receive a free monthly shipment of condoms, lube, and educational information by mail, sent in discreet packaging. With this, individuals need not experience even the inconvenience or shame of going in person to an office to receive free condoms and safe sex resources.
However, perhaps the most valuable service offered by Hope & Help is convenient STI testing at low to no cost, depending on the individual’s needs. After all, knowing one’s status is the first step to stopping the spread of STIs and HIV, which is why Hope & Help offers free rapid testing for Hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis with results in as little as 15 minutes — no appointment necessary. Additional STI testing is available with an appointment and requires more testing, like a blood draw, urine test, etc. After receiving their results, patients will work with one of Hope & Help’s health educators and/or providers to receive guidance on their treatment and/or preventative care options.
Organizations like Hope & Help are leading the charge in creating a future where more people can live fuller, healthier lives despite their STI diagnosis. Resources like education are the key to breaking down the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and other STIs and getting people the care they need, empowering them to take control of their sexual wellness.