HIV Testing, Treatment, and Prevention in Shelby County
Special to Focus
Taking care…
At Focus LGBT Magazine, we are dedicated to providing essential education, resources, and support to help eliminate the stigma surrounding HIV care. Throughout the year, our HIV Features will highlight critical information on prevention, treatment, and community resources, ensuring that readers have the knowledge to stay informed and empowered.
As part of this initiative, we are proud to feature insights from Dr. Michelle Taylor of the Shelby County Health Department. With extensive expertise in public health and HIV prevention, Dr. Taylor shares valuable perspectives on the current state of HIV in our community, the importance of testing and treatment, and the ongoing fight against stigma.
Why is HIV still a major public health concern in Shelby County?
HIV remains a pressing issue in Shelby County. According to recent data, Memphis has one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in the country. Multiple factors contribute to this public health crisis. Black and Hispanic communities continue to be disproportionately affected, highlighting the urgent need for targeted outreach and culturally competent care.
Young people, in particular, face unique challenges. Many do not receive comprehensive sexual health education in school, leaving them unaware of how HIV is transmitted or how to protect themselves. Misinformation spreads quickly, and without proper education, myths and fear continue to thrive.
But in Shelby County, we are committed to changing that narrative. I’m Dr. Michelle Taylor, Shelby County’s Division Director for Health Services, and my mission is to ensure that every person – regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background – has access to the care, education, and resources they need to take control of their sexual health.
What are the biggest barriers to HIV prevention and treatment?
For decades, HIV has been surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and fear. These barriers have prevented people from getting tested, seeking treatment, and having open discussions about sexual health. Too often, individuals, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, have been excluded from mainstream healthcare conversations or met with discrimination when they seek care. These systemic obstacles can have lasting consequences, creating gaps in prevention and treatment that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
But the truth is, HIV is not a diagnosis that should be feared or ignored. In fact, in can be managed with the right care. The earlier someone takes action, the better their outcomes will be. As a community, it is time for us to address these barriers head-on by promoting accessible healthcare, spreading accurate information, and advocating for a future where HIV is no longer a public health crisis.
That’s why we’re here – to break down myths, provide accurate information, and help make HIV prevention and care more accessible to everyone in our community.
What will this series cover?
This series will focus on key aspects of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. In future articles, we’ll answer some of the most common questions, including:
- Who should get tested for HIV, and how often?
- What prevention tools are available, like PrEP and PEP, and who can use them?
- What does it mean to live with HIV today, and how does treatment like U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) change the conversation?
- How does stigma prevent people from getting tested or seeking care, and what can we do to break down these barriers?
What can people do today to prioritize their health?
If you take one thing away from this series, let it be this – you matter, and your sexual health matters. Taking control of your health is one of the most empowering things you can do, and there are many ways to take action:
Get tested. Routine HIV testing is essential for everyone. Whether you think you’re at risk or not, getting tested should be as routine as any other aspect of your healthcare.
Know your options. Learn about PrEP, PEP, and other prevention tools. If you or someone you love is living with HIV, educate yourself about U=U and the importance of staying on treatment.
Talk about it. Open and honest conversations can break down stigma. Whether you’re talking with a partner, a friend, or a healthcare provider, normalizing these discussions makes a difference.
Share accurate information. Misinformation is one of the biggest challenges we face in public health. By spreading factual, science-based knowledge, you can help counter myths and empower others.
Advocate for change. Support policies and initiatives that expand access to testing, treatment, and education. Join community organizations working to make a difference.
What’s next in this series?
In the next article, we’ll address one of the most common questions: Who should get tested for HIV? Spoiler alert: The answer is everyone.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO WWW.901HIVTESTING.COM
