Since the 1980s, when white gay males were primarily infected, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has become an extensive problem among communities of color in the United States and around the world. Appropriate and successful HIV/AIDS prevention in non-white communities in the United States is now urgently needed. As part of a three-year HIV/AIDS demonstration grant, the Georgia Office of Minority Health has prepared a document that describes the impact of HIV/AIDS among minority communities in Georgia. Among all states, Georgia has a relatively large number of reported AIDS cases. Although tenth in population size, Georgia has the eighth highest cumulative number of reported AIDS cases among all states, the seventh highest rate of AIDS, and the seventh highest number of persons living with AIDS. The characteristics of the epidemic in Georgia have shifted from being primarily white “men who have sex with men” to predominately African American, with increasing proportions of women, persons infected by heterosexual contact, and persons residing in rural areas of the state. This document provides background information on demographics and the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and Georgia. By analyzing existing databases, the impact of HIV/AIDS in Georgia is examined by observing seven areas of focus among minorities. A plan for future data dissemination and activities in Year 2 and Year 3 of the grant is described.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Know the number and proportion of minorities with HIV and AIDS in Georgia. 2. Discuss the methods of this study and give recommendations to the presenter. 3. Develop a plan for disseminating HIV and AIDS information among minorities in a local community.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.