South Carolina = Washington D.C.?

In what’s probably the only bright spot for the news that D.C.’s HIV infection rate is sky-high, a recent report from the Kaiser foundation indicates that this might be opening some eyes elsewhere.  Having such a high prevalence in the capital of the most powerful country in the world is showing that HIV can get a hold anywhere that diligence in outreach and prevention is not what I t could be.  In this report, South Carolina is specifically mentioned as a locality taking a look at D.C.’s infection rate and seeing how dangerous letting HIV slide is.

 

In other news, the House has approved a bill that aims to establish a comprehensive policy to HIV screening and treatment in the nation’s prisons.  Given that HIV transmission occurs in prison from the use of dirty needles or MSM, this will has the potential to be able to turn back a part of the rising tide of HIV.  What do you think?