This Day in History – April 21, 2006-The CDC Examines HIV Transmission Rates

This Day in History – April 21, 2006

The CDC Examines HIV Transmission Rates

On this date, the CDC released information regarding HIV prevalence among incarcerated individuals in Georgia. In their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the CDC relayed that the estimated prevalence of HIV among prisoners was nearly five times higher than the national average. These figures became known as a result of mandatory HIV testing that began in Georgia prisons in 1988. 

The report identified sexual encounters and tattooing as the primary risk factors impacting HIV transmission behind bars. It was one of many early reports to advocate for the development of HIV education and prevention programs for incarcerated individuals. 

Read the original report at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5515a1.htm. 

For more information about ARE’s services, or to learn how you can help, contact Janet Tinkham at 540-536-5293. This post has been provided by volunteer Victoria Kidd, freelance writer and owner of OMP Consulting Group. (Learn more about us at www.ompcg.com.)

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