JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – June is Pride Month, and health agencies across the state and Rogue Valley say it’s also a good time to get tested for HIV.
Data from the Oregon Health Authority shows that new HIV cases have been on the rise since 2020, with the latest information showing 244 new cases in 2022. Jackson County also had one of the highest rates of HIV prevalence in the state that year, with 141.2 cases reported per 100,000 residents.
The virus disproportionately affects some groups, including people in the LGBTQIA+ community, people of color and young people aged 13 to 24. However, Tanya Phillips, the health promotion and preparedness manager for Jackson County Public Health, told NewsWatch 12 that she recommends everyone be aware of their status, even if they don’t fall into one of those groups.
“Everyone should be tested at least once in their lifetime and be able to have that baseline,” Phillips said.
Donny Beer, a care coordinator with the HIV Alliance in Medford, said that even though testing is encouraged, it can still be daunting for some patients. Some face barriers to testing in the form of transportation or medical care in their spoken language. Others may not want to confront their HIV status at all.
“Stigma is still prevalent surrounding the HIV virus,” Beer told NewsWatch 12. “A lot of folks could be hesitant to get tested because they don’t feel comfortable asking for it, or they are perhaps nervous of what their status could be.”
Even with a positive HIV status, treatment is still available to make a patient’s viral load undetectable, making the virus untransmittable after six months of treatment. Local agencies can inform patients and connect them to a treatment plan, and OHA’S CAREAssist is a resource for HIV positive people living in poverty to help them pay for their medication.
“Pride is a month we have that’s dedicated to uplifting the voices of our LGBTQ+ community,” Phillips said. “It’s a great time and reminder for people in general to prioritize their health and take preventative steps.”
Below is a list of some free or low-cost HIV testing services in the NewsWatch 12 viewing area:
JACKSON COUNTY
– Jackson County Health & Human Services – free HIV testing
140 S Holly St, Medford, OR 97501
– La Clinica – insurance-based, low-cost or sliding scale options
– HIV Alliance – connects people with access to free HIV testing
955 Town Centre Dr, Suite B Medford, OR 97504
JOSEPHINE COUNTY
– Josephine County Public Health
715 NW Dimmick St Grants Pass, OR 97526
– HIV Alliance – connects people with access to free HIV testing
132 NE B St Grants Pass, OR 97526
KLAMATH COUNTY
– Sky Lakes Medical Center – insurance-based, low-cost or sliding scale options
2821 Daggett Ave Ste 100 Klamath Falls, OR 97601
LAKE COUNTY
– Lake County Public Health
100 North D Street Suite 100 Lakeview, OR 97630
SISKIYOU COUNTY
– Siskiyou County Public Health – at-home STI test (includes HIV screening)
810 South Main St. Yreka, CA 96097
Free at-home HIV tests are available through TakeMeHome, which is an option for individuals who are looking to test in the privacy of their own home.
Liv Collom is a reporter/producer at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Liv at lcollom@kdrv.com.