Virtual event with the Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin will honor World AIDS Day and continue the conversation on how we can end the HIV epidemic
2020 marks 40 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported in the United States. Globally, there are an estimated 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and there are medications available to significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading HIV. Despite this, in 2019, a total of 2,806 people were known to be living with HIV in Milwaukee and an estimated 400 additional people were estimated to be living with HIV who were not aware of their status.* HIV disproportionately affects people of color in Milwaukee; during 2019, racial and ethnic minorities made up 65% of Milwaukee’s population, but comprised 86% of new HIV diagnoses. It remains vitally important to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS, increase access to quality prevention, medical care and treatment for people affected by HIV/AIDS and reduce stigma and discrimination.
As HIV continues to impact millions, Vivent Health’s work to provide people with the education, materials and resources they need to protect their health is as important as ever. At Vivent Health, its team of health care providers, pharmacists and prevention specialists work together to create individualized plans to help prevent HIV, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections. In 2019, the Vivent Health Prevention team in Milwaukee conducted 1,033 HIV tests, provided 161,368 condoms and conducted 358 HCV tests and 608 Syphilis tests. Getting tested and learning your HIV status empowers people to make the best decisions for their health, and Vivent Health can help individuals take the necessary steps to receive the medical care and treatment they need to thrive.
To help address these health disparities, Vivent Health and the Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin announced a partnership and virtual Town Hall to be held on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2020. This event will bring together powerful voices to commemorate World AIDS Day, which is the first ever global health day that invites people to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Town Hall will feature a conversation with local public health workers and faith-based leaders who will discuss health equity and ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and will include the launch of a “The Late Night Musical” CD that features local Milwaukee gospel artists. As the Premier Sponsor of this event, Vivent Health will discuss its prevention and treatment efforts and will be available to take online HIV test orders.
“World AIDS Day is an opportunity for everyone worldwide to relentlessly show support for people living with HIV/AIDS and to commemorate individuals who have passed away from an AIDS,” said Michael J. Gifford, President and Chief Executive Officer for Vivent Health. “Vivent Health is proud to be a long-standing partner to the Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin and applauds its vision to bring Milwaukee leaders together for important conversations about health equality, racial disparities in the HIV/AIDS epidemic and remembrance of people in our communities who have been impacted by this disease.”
The free Town Hall will take place on December 1 at 8:00 P.M. CDT and will be presented virtually via Zoom. Town Hall panelists will include Dr. David Glover, Broderick Pearson, Bishop Gregory Goner, Anthony McGahee, Bishop Prentise Vann and Ricardo Wynn, moderated by Dr. Kenny E. Yarbrough. Featured gospel artists on the “The Late Night Musical” CD will include Joshua Jones, Minister Diante Harris, Jermaine Rideout, Phoenix Versistyle, K Powell & The Promise, Jeanette Mixon and more.
“We applaud the collective efforts across this state and country to end HIV and those that have exhibited the resilience to fight this epidemic,” said Patricia McManus, President and Chief Executive Officer for Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin. “We also celebrate the impact of learning the science, developing the therapeutics, educating those affected and the adherence to medications that continue to reduce HIV infections. We appreciate the opportunity to continue our collaboration with Vivent Health during this important event.”
Vivent Health is a nationally recognized leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS and operates the only HIV Medical Home in America recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HIV Medical Home offers integrated health and social services including medical, dental, mental health and pharmacies, along with case management and social support. Vivent Health is also a leading provider of aggressive prevention services that help at-risk individuals remain HIV negative. Vivent Health operates in 15 locations in Colorado, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin. To learn more about Vivent Health go to www.viventhealth.org.
*Data collected from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services HIV Surveillance Annual Report 2019.
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