It was once a diagnosis widely believed to be an absolute death sentence, but much has changed since the earliest years of the AIDS epidemic. There have been tremendous advances in detection and treatment which have dramatically improved health outcomes for millions. Still, an estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and 13% of them don’t know it. That gap is tied to barriers in access to testing, treatment, and ongoing care, and it continues to contribute to increases in new diagnoses. On today’s special edition of Closer Look with Rose Scott, we look beyond the disease itself to examine how stigma is also a factor. Our panel discusses efforts to confront and reduce stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. If you or someone you know is in need of testing for HIV/AIDS, you can access these resources:  AID Atlanta, Grady Healthcare, Cobb & Douglas Public Health, CVS Minute Clinic, AvitaCare Atlanta.

Guests:

Jerrell Hardnett, associate director of education & advocacy at GLAAD, and the author of GLAAD's sixth annual State of HIV Stigma Report

Tim'm West, executive director of Rustin Institute

Nicole Roebuck, Executive Director of AID Atlanta

Pastor Eric Thomas, Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church and a founder & President of Metro Atlanta Ministerial Alliance