The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed an initiative to end the HIV epidemic in the United States within the next decade. This program will leverage critical scientific advances in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care by coordinating highly successful programs, resources and infrastructure within many HHS agencies and offices.

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) is committed to providing the community with opportunities to understand, explore and plan the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Pinellas County is one of seven counties with the highest rates of HIV in Florida. In 2018, there was a 12.8 percent increase in new HIV cases among the Black population. This population made up almost half (42 percent) of the new HIV infections for 2018. In addition, the top five ZIP Codes with the highest number of new HIV cases are in the City of St. Petersburg.

To improve our understanding of community needs, programs and delivery strategies, we have created an Ending the HIV Epidemic Advisory Council (EHEAC). This council will have the specific task of providing input and advisement of the End HIV Epidemic Plan for Pinellas County.

To be effective, it is critical that community members, health providers and stakeholders across the county have an opportunity to contribute to this planning process. The EHEAC will meet quarterly. If you would like to participate in the EHEAC, please contact:

• Indica Harris - Indica.Harris@flhealth.gov or
• Darius Lightsey – Darius.Lightsey@flhealth.gov

The next EHEAC meeting is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at EPIC (Empath Partners in Care), 3050 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg.

Resources

• Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America
• States, Counites, and Territories
• HIV/AIDS Data Profile for Pinellas County
  

For more information about DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com and follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.