WE ALL NEED TO THINK

DIFFERENTLY ABOUT HIV

Our goal is to create a more supportive and informed environment for HIV positive and HIV at risk individuals by combining effective prevention strategies with strong efforts to reduce stigma.

STOP THE STIGMA!

Understanding HIV and how it is transmitted and prevented can help you stay in control of your sexual health. Educating yourself can also help end the stigma around HIV. HIV stigma plagues our communities and socially isolated people affected by the disease. The truth is when we feed into HIV stigma, we are feeding into discrimination, prejudice, and hatred. 


But there’s good news…we all can #StopHIVStigma! If we are willing to work together, to halt the hate and lean into love.


What is HIV Stigma?

HIV Stigma is the negative attitude about people with HIV. This stigma, like all discrimination, is bred from ignorance. The solution is to learn as much as possible about the disease and not to believe the myths. 


Here are a few examples:

  • Believing that only certain groups of people can get HIV
  • Making moral judgments about people who take steps to prevent HIV transmission
  • Feeling that people deserve to get HIV because of their choices


Ways to Get Tested for HIV

  • Local Health Departments: Many local health departments and community health centers provide free or low-cost HIV testing services. They often have specific times and days dedicated to HIV testing.
  • Mobile Testing Units: Some organizations operate mobile testing units that travel to various locations, making it easier for people to get tested in their communities.
  • Routine Testing: Many clinics and healthcare providers offer routine HIV testing as part of regular medical checkups. You can request an HIV test during your visit.
  • Walk-In Testing: Some pharmacies offer walk-in HIV testing services. You can check with your local pharmacy to see if they provide this service.
  • Order Kits Online: Various health services allow you to order HIV testing kits online, which can be delivered discreetly to your home.

What to Expect During an HIV Test

  • Pre-Test Counseling: Some testing sites provide counseling before the test to discuss your risk factors, the testing process, and what the results might mean.
  • The Test: Depending on the type of test, you might provide a blood sample, oral swab, or urine sample.
  • Rapid Tests: Results can be available within 20 to 40 minutes.
  • Laboratory Tests: Results are usually available within a few days.
  • Post-Test Counseling: After receiving your results, you may receive counseling to discuss the outcome, next steps, and prevention strategies if the test is positive.

Regular HIV testing is crucial for early detection and treatment. Knowing your status helps in managing your health effectively and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.


For more information on HIV testing, visit HIV.gov and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  • Ways HIV can not be transmitted

    HIV does not survive long outside the human body (such as on surfaces), and it cannot reproduce outside a human host. It is not transmitted...

    • By mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects.
    • Through saliva, tears, or sweat.
    • By hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, or closed-mouth or “social” kissing with someone who has HIV.
    • Through other sexual activities that don’t involve the exchange of body fluids (for example, touching).
    • Through the air.

  • Ways HIV can be transmitted

    • You can get HIV if you have anal sex with someone who has HIV without using protection (like condoms or medicine to treat or prevent HIV).
    • You can get HIV if you have vaginal sex with someone who has HIV without using protection (like condoms or medicine to treat or prevent HIV).
    • HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. However, it is less common because of advances in HIV prevention and treatment.
    • You are at high risk for getting HIV if you share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers) with someone who has HIV. Never share needles or other equipment to inject drugs, hormones, steroids, or silicone.
    • For more ways visit https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/ways-people-get-hiv.html

  • More resources

    HIV Prevention Materials

    https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-prevention/resources.html


    HIV Stigma Materials

    https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-stigma/index.html


    Request HIV Test Kit

    https://minorityhealth.jotform.com/240214333149043


    Request Sexual Health Kit

    https://minorityhealth.jotform.com/240214899722057

KNOW YOUR STATUS, OWN YOUR HEALTH

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Local Healthcare Providers

Access the list of local healthcare providers in Mississippi by downloading the PDF now.

Know Your Status

Getting regular HIV testing is absolutely crucial for early detection and treatment. Being aware of your status is essential for effectively managing your health and minimizing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Staff Contact for HIV Prevention Programs


D’Anah Evans - Community Outreach Specialist - deveans@advancingminorityhealth.org