This morning, while attempting to stay up-to-date on as much emergency preparedness-relevant material as I can, I ran across the rather concerning news from southern Indiana regarding the HIV outbreak declared by Governor Pence to be a public health emergency yesterday.
To read the Washington Post's article and catch some background on the information, click here. Essentially, Austin, Indiana has found itself becoming the epicenter of an HIV outbreak, spreading from its first confirmed case a mere three months ago to 72 confirmed cases as of Wednesday. While to some of you who find yourselves (as I do) more population statistically minded and living in a larger metropolis, this might not seem to be a huge number. However, note that Austin, Indiana has a population of only about 4,300, making this a public health emergency and a crisis emerging at an alarming rate.
In fact, Governor Pence has made a move to allow a pause for the state's ban on possession of syringes by anyone without a prescription in order to facilitate a needle exchange program by which residents can exchange previously used needles for clean syringes, regardless of the existence of a prescription, albeit in only Scott County, where Austin is located. The Governor, a Republican, had previously opposed any such policy allowing for needle exchanges, but it seems that drastic times are calling for drastic measures.
The declaration of a public health emergency in Indiana as the result of an HIV outbreak raises a lot of important points for emergency preparedness and readiness. Much of our work as Community Emergency Preparedness Corps members involves a focus on public health, and especially after going to college in DC and working in DuPont Circle for two years, a city and neighborhood hit especially hard by the AIDS crisis in the 1980's and the city with the highest prevalence of HIV in America, this is a concern that hits especially close to home.
First, there are the concerns about preventing the spread of HIV. If you are using intravenous drugs, please never utilize a previously used syringe. While I don't want to advocate for drug use, I understand that addiction is a very real and gripping concern, and I hope the needle exchange program put in place in Scott County, as well as in other parts of the country, is quick and effective. All it takes is one infected needle to contract the virus, so please take whatever steps are necessary to procure a clean syringe. When having sex, be safe. I cannot stress enough the availability of free condoms, and if you live in Charlotte you can visit either of two STD Control Clinics (addresses listed on this page) for free services, including free condoms and free screening for syphilis and HIV.
Further, if you are living with HIV, there are a number of concerns to be raised when preparing for disasters. Click this link to access the emergency preparedness page published by the US Department of Health and Human Services with specific relevance to those living with HIV. I am so happy that we are getting past the days of HIV/AIDS stigmatization and that treatment has progressed as far as it has over the past three decades, but there are some valid special considerations to think about. First, as with any prescription medication, always keep a two-week supply in stock. A tornado (or any other natural disaster) may cause you not to have access to your local pharmacy, whether by their closing or by your being stuck at home and unable to travel. Further, if the water supply is compromised during a disaster, infection can be easily spread through the water supply and HIV-positive status may make you more susceptible.
This outbreak of HIV in southern Indiana is a very real concern and a true public health emergency, but with a careful effort to prevent the spread of HIV, it is my hope that this contagion may soon be tamed. If you have any questions about what I've said in this article, or if you would like further resources on emergency preparedness relevant to living with HIV, feel free to e-mail me at rob@handsoncharlotte.org.
As always, stay safe, Charlotte, and after my visit to Asheville's Orange Peel for Dr. Dog's wonderful show last night, here's some great music for your damp afternoon!
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