Louisville groups push for awareness, policies on World AIDS Day

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day, and several local groups are raising awareness while calling for more policies and assistance for those experiencing the disease.

VOCAL-KY hosted a Rally and Remembrance event at Jefferson Square Park Friday morning. The group is fighting to break the stigma associated with AIDS and HIV. A vigil was held to remember those lost to the epidemic.

The group is pushing for greater access to testing, more harm reduction measures — like syringe exchanges to stop the spread, and housing for those who are experiencing homelessness while living with the disease.

"In the south, these numbers continue to grow, and we are the gateway to the south. It is our duty to do everything we can for our communities that are struggling with this disease still, it has not been forgotten," said Shameka Parrish-Wright, director of VOCAL-KY and newly-elected District 3 councilperson.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has killed more than 40 million people since the first recorded case in 1981. According to the World Health Organization, HIV/AIDS remains a major global health issue with ongoing transmission worldwide. Last year, 1.3 million people were diagnosed with HIV. While there is no cure, there is access to prevention measures, diagnosis, treatment and care. Treatments and preventative options are also available for those who may be at higher risk of infection, including the medication called PREP, which can help prevent infection.

"There's a lot of ways that we (get) people access to, not only treatment but PREP, as well, and that's a critical component of reducing HIV transmissions in the United States and the world, really," said Dr. Paul Schulz, an infections disease specialist with Norton Healthcare.

HIV is an infection that attacks the body's immune system. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV. It targets a person's white blood cells and weakens the immune system, making it easier for that person to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections and some cancers, according to the WHO. It's spread from the bodily fluids of a person who is already infected. It is not spread by kissing, hugging, or sharing food. It can, however, be spread from a mother to her baby.

Local advocates are pushing for more funding for interventions such as increasing access to medication, particularly for high-risk communities, and allowing and funding the creation of Overdose Prevention Centers.

VOCAL-KY said it will continue to fight for new policies in Frankfort geared toward saving lives. House Bill 349 was passed recently, making the distribution of self-test kits legal and removed felony charges for those living with HIV who attempt to donate organs.

Other groups involved in Friday's event included the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition, New Leaf Clinic, Arthur Street Hotel, the Fairness Campaign, House of Ruth and the Kentucky Care Coordination Program (KCCP).

Norton Healthcare is encouraging the community to get tested. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. People with risk factors should be tested at least once a year. Norton Prompt Care locations offer rapid HIV tests with extended weekend and evening hours.

To read more about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and for information about signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment, click here.