FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MDHHS encourages Michiganders to be aware of the statistics surrounding HIV

Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 1, 2020 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov MDHHS encourages Michiganders to be aware of the statistics surrounding HIV Campaign encourages Michiganders, people at high risk of HIV exposure to "change the numbers, change the future" to prevent the spread of HIV LANSING, Mich. – As part of World AIDS Day, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a statewide campaign encouraging Michiganders to be aware of the statistics surrounding HIV in Michigan. Early detection, intervention and treatment can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 93 percent. That is why Michigan residents are encouraged to learn how they can "change the numbers and change the future " through a new advertising campaign. The campaign, which is running through March 2021, includes TV, radio and mobile, along with popular platforms including YouTube, Hulu, Facebook, Snapchat and Spotify. Additional advertising tactics include posters in bars, transit ads and ads in LGBTQ publications. It is estimated 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV. In Michigan, roughly 1 in 8 people are unaware of their HIV status. While the number of new HIV cases and deaths in the state have leveled off over the years, the number of people living with HIV continues to rise. MDHHS recommends Michiganders get tested to learn their HIV status. "With medication, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. "It is important that we continue to work to prevent the spread of the disease and that everyone knows their status." MDHHS encourages people currently living with HIV and people at higher risk of HIV exposure to consider prevention and treatment methods. For Michiganders who may be at a higher risk of HIV exposure there are options for prevention. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a medication that can be taken to reduce the chance of getting HIV if a person is exposed. Medical evidence has shown that people living with HIV who are on effective treatment cannot pass HIV to partners through sex. Find testing locations and other resources at Michigan.gov/HIVSTD.                                                                        # # # 2020 HIV NR.pdf   Become a foster parent through Michigan Department of Health & Human Services foster care program. Questions?  Contact Us SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe All |  Subscriber Help STAY CONNECTED:       This email was sent to ooseims.archieves@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Dept of Health & Human Services · 235 S. Grand Ave W. · Lansing, MI 48909 · 1-855-275-6424