Dallas County is rolling out a multi-pronged campaign to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, promoting HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, as well as substance abuse recovery.
The campaign will also focus on information and resources that provide hope for eliminating the HIV epidemic. According to Dallas County, new cases of HIV continue to be diagnosed, and one in eight people unknowingly live with the disease.
“This is an ambitious goal but with the new treatments, prevention methods and routine testing, we feel that it’s very achievable,” said Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Dr. Phillip Huang.
“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 H. Millard, a community leader who lives with HIV, stated 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.”
The Ryan White Program provides medical and social support services for individuals living with HIV who do not have adequate financial resources for health care coverage. The Health Resources and Services Administration and the Texas Department of State Health Services funds the Ryan White Program through federal and state grants.
“HIV does not just affect gay people, it impacts us all,” Millard added. “Those living with HIV, their friends, family members, work colleagues, and neighbors.”
Chris Sapphire, a Dallas County Ending the HIV Epidemic Influencer, is an actor from Netflix shows such as The Circle and Dancing Queen. He said he wanted to be a part of this campaign because he is a firm believer in hope. “We are getting closer than ever to ending the HIV epidemic, and the future looks bright,” said Sapphire. “We’ve made many strides in the battle to end HIV.”
