Grady Hospital's emergency center in Atlanta begun a routines HIV/AIDS testing program in 2013, diagnosing 2-3 patients each day with the disease. This recent photo (seen above) represents a
proportion of newly diagnosed HIV patients that have been declared having AIDS
3 months from their HIV diagnosis in Atlanta by zip code. According to the CDC
in 2013, Atlanta served as one of the top 5 cities in the U.S. with the largest
HIV/AIDS population. All facts you've probably heard before.
The color scheme of this recently released diagram breaks down the percentage
of TESTED patients who are now living with AIDS by zip code in Atlanta and
close surrounding areas. A section has a percentage ranging from 51-100% which
translates into somewhere around 467,000 people. There are over 50 places in the Atlanta area that offers HIV testing to wherever healthcare services are available. Eight percent of the population living within the Grady Hospital zip code in Atlanta is living with HIV or AIDS.
According to the CDC, those diagnosed with HIV in stage 3 (AIDS) are highest
amongst black and white men and women in the U.S. It takes about 8 to 10 years for
untreated HIV to turn into AIDS. Ages of Stage 3 are peaked between ages 20-54
years old, with the leading documented source of transmission being male-to-male
sexual contact. Many states now are pushing to have HIV testing in more accessible places such as the DMV and local drug stores such as CVS. Recently, an over the counter home HIV test has become available to the public.
There are many reasons as to why many do not get tested for HIV, such as stigmas of going to the doctor or believing that being sexually active with one person is safer. The numbers in cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, New York, San Francisco etc. continue to grow daily without signs of declining or slowing down. It is important for those to be aware of the risk and knowing how to protect themselves from catching this now common disease that many don't even know they have. HIV/AIDS was a taboo when first emerging in the United States in the 1980's and has now become some of the leading causes of death with African Americans, primarily women.
QUESTIONS: How many of you routinely get tested for HIV/AIDS?? How do you OR do you approach your sexual partner(s) regarding their history of STDs before having sex. Are YOU being honest and taking accountability of your own actions before having sexual contact with someone else? Do these outstanding numbers give you any fear of having sexual contact with people? There's many questions and comments, pose your thoughts. Let's talk!
(Photos: WABE.org)
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