While Reporter Misti Crane did a good job with a lot of information, some important facts were not covered. The article referred mainly to the gay community. Not all people getting and spreading the virus are gay.
The article said that “many of those at highest risk of contracting the virus are being missed.” The article mentioned that agencies use mobile apps, particularly in gay social media to reach that population. High-risk heterosexuals do not use gay social media.
Agencies need to go deeper into the inner city to reach more young black men between the ages of 13 and 24, as this is the group whose numbers are skyrocketing. In addition, the main vehicles of HIV transmission are having unprotected sex and sharing needles. With our area’s heroin epidemic, more needle sharing is occurring, as well as women prostituting themselves to buy heroin.
In addition to the locations mentioned, the Out of the Closet thrift store, 1230 N. High St., offers testing Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, 815 W. Broad St., is another testing location.
Finally, the article said that 13,506 people were tested and only 94 positives were found.
Even with that small number, Columbus and its adjacent counties now receive more federal dollars as an Emergency Transitional Grant Area as a result, for treatment and to fight the spread of the disease.
Here's the article and look for an STD testing center near you.
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