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Dallas County Launches Campaign to End the HIV Epidemic by 2030

Dallas County aims to end the HIV Epidemic by 2030 through a multipronged campaign that promotes HIV prevention, testing, treatment and substance abuse recovery.

New diagnoses of HIV continue and one in eight people unknowingly live with HIV. Knowing your HIV status and taking steps to prevent further transmission will go a long way towards ending HIV in Dallas. The Dallas County Ending the HIV Epidemic Campaign focuses on information and resources that provide hope for eliminating the HIV epidemic. Information can be found at EndHIVDallasCounty.org.

“This is an ambitious goal but with new treatments, prevention methods and routine testing, we feel that it’s very achievable,” said Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas County Health and Human Services director. “Through our work with community stakeholders and organizations, we will continue to promote resources and information so that all Dallas County residents know their HIV status and have access to quality care.”

Lionel M. Hillard, a community leader who lives with HIV, noted that “ending the epidemic will take a collaborative effort between the agencies, communities, medical staff within the Ryan White Program and the rest of the medical community.” He explained that “HIV does not just affect gay people, and that it impacts us all — those living with HIV, the friends, family members, work colleagues and neighbors.” Hillard exclaimed that “we must all come together and provide clear and accurate information on this illness and understand the role that each of us plays in eradicating HIV.”

Chris Sapphire, a Dallas County Ending the HIV Epidemic influencer and actor from Netflix shows “The Circle” & “Dancing Queen,” noted that he wanted to be a part of this campaign because he is “a firm believer in hope, and we are getting closer than ever to ending the HIV epidemic, and the future looks bright.” He also said, “We’ve made many strides in the battle to end HIV, and victory is near.”

Dallas County’s multipronged campaign includes:

HIV Testing

It’s important to get tested regularly. Stay informed by knowing your status. Testing is available at https://endhivdallascounty.org/images/Get%20Help_EHE.pdf

Preventive Treatment

PrEP is a preventive medication that can be taken as a daily pill or a monthly shot and is 99% effective in preventing HIV. Appointments can be booked at https://preplocator.org/

HIV Treatment Therapy

Find out more information about treatment at

https://endhivdallascounty.org/images/Start%20Treatment_EHE.pdf

Substance Abuse Recovery

Substance abuse treatment can help prevent HIV transmissions. Visit https://endhivdallascounty.org/ to find treatment locations near you. Other recovery resources may be found at https://www.findtreatment.gov/.

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