Equitas Health is commemorating the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day by launching the HIV awareness campaign Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). Using this as an opportunity to both continue the fight against HIV while also supporting those living with HIV, Equitas Health is one of 780+ health organizations worldwide to sign a scientific consensus stating that there is no risk of sexual transmission of HIV from a person living with HIV who has an undetectable viral load.
In Ohio, over 23,000 Ohioans have been diagnosed with HIV, yet less than 50 percent have been virally suppressed to an undetectable level. This campaign focuses on building awareness through education to combat the fear surrounding HIV+ status and resources available for treatment and prevention.
“Currently, 87 percent of Equitas Health patients who are living with HIV are virally suppressed, achieving an undetectable status,” said Bill Hardy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Equitas Health. “Our aim is to get HIV-positive Ohioans diagnosed, into care, and arm them with accurate scientific information about the transmissibility of the disease while helping to erase the stigma.”
Originally founded in 1984 as AIDS Resource Center Ohio, Equitas Health has been dedicated to providing a comprehensive, coordinated and cutting-edge response to HIV; from prevention to diagnosis and treatment. With 17 offices in 11 locations, Equitas is one of the largest community-based providers of HIV prevention, care and treatment services in the country.
U=U will continue to be an important initiative for Equitas Health in 2019. In January of 2019, the U=U founder, Bruce Richman, will visit Ohio. Equitas Health’s activities surrounding AIDS Walk Central Ohio in April and Pride Month in June will also feature the education on the U=U campaign.
