Philadelphia Launches Online Tool to Connect Residents to HIV Prevention and Treatment Services
The city of Philadelphia has introduced a new online resource aimed at reducing the spread of HIV in its community. The Philly Keep on Loving HIV Resource Finder is an easy-to-use tool that helps residents access various sexual health services, including HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The initiative was prompted by a survey that found there was a lack of reliable information on HIV prevention and treatment services available in the city. According to Anna Thomas-Ferraioli, advisor for the city's efforts to end the HIV epidemic, "When we did a survey of the environment, we didn't find one single source of good information that had really everything that was on offer for HIV prevention and care in our communities."
The online tool provides access to various providers that offer HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services. It also helps connect residents to resources addressing food and housing insecurity, particularly for those experiencing homelessness or without internet access. Community groups have been instrumental in making the resource available to these populations.
The creation of the online finder was funded by a $4 million federal grant aimed at reducing HIV rates in Philadelphia. While HIV diagnoses have decreased over the past few years, the disease still disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic communities, as well as men who have sex with men and injection drug users.
According to recent data, there were 18,177 people diagnosed with HIV and more than 1,500 living with undiagnosed or unaware of their status in 2023. The number of new diagnoses has decreased by about 25% since 2017, thanks in part to increased access to care and viral suppression.
The launch of the online tool marks a significant step forward in Philadelphia's efforts to combat HIV. By providing residents with easy access to vital services, the city hopes to reduce the spread of the disease and improve health outcomes for its most vulnerable populations.
The city of Philadelphia has introduced a new online resource aimed at reducing the spread of HIV in its community. The Philly Keep on Loving HIV Resource Finder is an easy-to-use tool that helps residents access various sexual health services, including HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The initiative was prompted by a survey that found there was a lack of reliable information on HIV prevention and treatment services available in the city. According to Anna Thomas-Ferraioli, advisor for the city's efforts to end the HIV epidemic, "When we did a survey of the environment, we didn't find one single source of good information that had really everything that was on offer for HIV prevention and care in our communities."
The online tool provides access to various providers that offer HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services. It also helps connect residents to resources addressing food and housing insecurity, particularly for those experiencing homelessness or without internet access. Community groups have been instrumental in making the resource available to these populations.
The creation of the online finder was funded by a $4 million federal grant aimed at reducing HIV rates in Philadelphia. While HIV diagnoses have decreased over the past few years, the disease still disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic communities, as well as men who have sex with men and injection drug users.
According to recent data, there were 18,177 people diagnosed with HIV and more than 1,500 living with undiagnosed or unaware of their status in 2023. The number of new diagnoses has decreased by about 25% since 2017, thanks in part to increased access to care and viral suppression.
The launch of the online tool marks a significant step forward in Philadelphia's efforts to combat HIV. By providing residents with easy access to vital services, the city hopes to reduce the spread of the disease and improve health outcomes for its most vulnerable populations.