The Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine in collaboration with Fort Valley State University, will distribute test kits on Feb. 7, which is Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
According to a press release, the “care packages” will be distributed to local students at the historically Black university in Fort Valley, GA, according to a press release.
On Thursday, Feb. 6, volunteers will pack 200 free care packages that include at-home HIV test kits and other essential items on the Morehouse campus between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. On Friday, Feb. 7, a collaborative team will distribute the packages on the Fort Valley campus.
Research data from the SHLI Health Equity Tracker shows that the Black community in Peach County, GA, where the city of Fort Valley is the county seat, makes up 83.5% of its HIV prevalence despite representing only 43.9% of the population. Young people between the ages of 13-24, regardless of race and gender, make up 6.5% of the HIV prevalence.
“For many students, going to college marks a major change in the trajectory of their lives. It is the first time they are independently responsible for their health,” said Christopher Ervin, MD, director of Community-Based Initiatives in the MSM Department of Family Medicine. “It is important that we teach students about preventive health care, especially as it relates to their sexual and reproductive health, with particular attention to HIV education and prevention. Staff at on-campus outreach offices and the local state health department are available to provide students with free STI and HIV education, testing and counseling.”
In 2023, SHLI launched the Georgia Thrives campaign to address structural barriers that exist within Black communities in the southern United States in regard to HIV testing, treatment and ongoing care. Funded by Gilead Sciences, the campaign’s strategic solutions include better access to care, improved clinical provider training in HIV, early engagement with clinicians, policy education and assessment of legislation impacting people living with HIV.
For additional details about the Satcher Health Leadership Institute and the Georgia Thrives campaign, visit GeorgiaThrives.org.
