By Dianne Anderson

If anyone wonders whether HIV/AIDS is still a thing – the answer is yes.

Despite the huge decrease in death over the last decade, the higher rate of HIV continues to impact the Black community.

Dr. Anissa Davis feels the concern is still on the radar for health providers.

“I think we are seeing high rates but low numbers, that might make it feel like there’s not that much impact, but it is still impacting African American population nationally, especially in the southern parts of the U.S., but also in California, in Long Beach LA County,” said Dr. Davis, Health Officer for the City of Long Beach,

Looking at recent data, problem areas persist with access to healthcare, and the Black community doesn’t seem to follow up with services the same as other groups.

Dr. Davis said that there are several barriers at play, such as substance abuse, homelessness, a history of incarceration or mental illness. Economic-based obstacles, housing, and employment, prevent access to medical care and health insurance.

“There’s a lot of reasons why people might not come in for services, or not satisfied with services when they do come in,” she said. “The acquired HIV infection may take a back burner as you figure out these other parts of competent care, and the stigma.”

On Friday, December 1, the city’s health fair will host its annual event at Houghton Park Community Center from 4:00-7:00 pm, located at 6301 Myrtle Avenue, Long Beach.

There, the community fair will host health providers and vendors to help with HIV/AIDS resources, such as PrEP, (pre-exposure prophylaxis, and at-home testing.

They will also remember all those who lost their lives to the disease with a candlelight vigil. According to the CDC, from 1981 when AIDS was first recognized through 1990, more than 100,000 people in the United States died from AIDS.

Back at the start of anti-retrovirals, some were taking up to 75 pills a day to control what now only takes one pill. As better treatments became available, the rate of infection has subsided.

“I lost someone in ’91, and it was like if they could have just held on, we were so close,” she said.

With the right treatment, the viral load — the amount of HIV in the blood — can be decreased to undetectable, meaning it can’t pass on to others. She said knowing how the virus survives and how to prevent transmission has been a game changer.

“People now who are HIV positive today may be HIV positive for several years before they become sick with AIDS. During that time they can infect other people. Now, we emphasize testing and early treatment to get viral loads suppressed early,” she said.

Drugs like PrEP help prevent transmission, but it’s still not used not as widely used as it could be, she said. One pill a day, as well as monthly injections for HIV care, is available and can decrease the risk of acquiring HIV by 99% and passing it on to someone else.

Still, for all the medical advances, the Black community is not using health services as the white population. People are worried about housing, or have mental health issues and are not making health a priority, or going to the doctor, especially if they feel healthy.

There’s also the lack of trust within the medical system, which keeps the Black community jumping through hoops. And, there is still some stigma.

“We’ve been doing a lot of provider education, we have patients that ask the doctor for PrEP and they say you’re not a good candidate. You finally make it in there and the doctor doesn’t see you as [needing that medication],” she said.

Among women, Black women are still hardest hit. There are great strides in treating pregnant women to prevent infection at birth, a success story that she said needs to continue to reach the community to prevent a resurgence.

But often, HIV is steeped in poverty, and transactional sex.

“It happens with men too, where you are having sex with someone to have a place to live or have food. There are no questions asked, no condoms and that’s what you have to do to survive,” she said.

She emphasizes the need for everyone to get tested, and use the widely available easy at-home testing.

These days, spreading HIV to babies is not like it was a decade ago, but she is very concerned about the rate of sexually transmitted congenital Syphilis, seeing a huge resurgence since 2012.

That infection passes easily from mother to child.

Dr. Davis that women must get their syphilis test on the first prenatal visit, but many women with symptoms do not access prenatal care, particularly the homeless, or experiencing domestic violence.

She said Black health providers are encouraging Emergency Rooms to ask about legions, or conduct a syphilis test if the mother is pregnant.

“The baby can be born stillbirth or can die soon after, or really severe birth defects, blindness, hearing, loss bone deformities, a developmental delay that sets up for not having a good quality of life,” she said.

Around Long Beach at various locations, Alexander Gonzalez said their mobile units provide HIV testing to communities facing barriers to critical support. They offer Insti HIV test, a rapid test with results in just one minute for early intervention.

“These units are tailored to meet the needs of communities by offering services during non-clinical hours, including late nights and weekends, reaching those most in need directly where they are,” said

Goncalves, AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Senior Director for Public Health.

He said the community can receive the necessary care promptly with a specialized team and immediate access to medical providers. Mobile units run four days a week, reaching several communities, including units at metro stations, community parks, events, bars and clubs.

Getting clients the service and medication they need, along with follow-up appointments at one of their clinics is a top priority, he said. If the person has no transportation, they can arrange Lyft rides for clients to get to their appointments.

“Most people with HIV can live long and healthy lives if they get and stay on treatment. Individuals who receive a positive HIV test result will be directed to our clinics to meet with a medical provider and navigate the subsequent steps required for their care,” he said.

Organizations can request their mobile unit for an event by completing the form at https://ahfmarketing.formstack.com/forms/mtu_requests

To learn more:

See, HIV testing sites and schedules, see freehivtest.net or Instagram page @longbeach_mt

https://www.aidshealth.org/

For PrEP information, see  https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html

For CenterLB World AIDS Day Health Fair, see https://www.centerlb.org/