Duval County to get federal help to combat spread of HIV

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells the story of the current state of HIV infections in the U.S.

The blue dots represent the areas that account for more than half of new HIV diagnoses from 2016 to 2017.

Duval County is among those areas.

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Northeast Florida AIDS Network Executive Director Donna Fuchs said it starts with education.

“The disease is preventable with education,” said Fuchs. “If you don’t want to have these hard talks with your children, send them here. We’ll have the hard talk, we’ll teach them how to use condoms, we’ll teach them how to keep them safe.”

Fuchs said the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS remains a huge obstacle, as well. The organization even had to remove red ribbons from its office door so people wouldn’t feel uncomfortable walking in.

A nationwide initiative called Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America aims to reduce infections by 90% within 10 years.

It comes following President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address this past February where he urged for more resources to fight the spread of HIV.

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“It’s going to be a hard job to do in 10 years,” said Fuchs.

The first of three phases will last five years. Phase one will focus on the areas that need the most help by providing more resources, expertise and technology.

Trump has proposed $291 million in next year’s budget to begin the multiyear initiative.

Fuchs said more funding is needed and so is more support.

“We need to make testing the norm. It should be part of routine testing,” said Fuchs.

Cox Media Group