Atlanta’s HIV Rates: The Crisis, Progress, and How PrEP Can Help
HEALing Community Health Offers Accessible and Confidential PrEP Options
As quiet as it’s kept, HIV is still transmitted at epidemic levels in the United States, and Atlanta, Georgia, is at the epicenter of the continuing HIV crisis. Despite major advances in prevention and treatment, Atlanta continues to face HIV rates that far exceed national averages, especially within vulnerable communities. Here’s a closer look at the numbers, the driving factors, and how HEALing Community Health is stepping up to offer PrEP—a powerful tool to stop HIV before it starts.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Centers for Disease Control
Atlanta’s Alarming HIV Stats
While Georgia leads the nation in reported HIV cases—more than double the national average, metro Atlanta echoes that disturbing trend and rivals some developing nations, making it the third-highest metro area for new cases in the U.S., just behind Miami and Memphis. African American Atlantans make up 46% of the city’s population but account for a staggering 72% of HIV cases.
Why Is Atlanta So Affected?
Several factors have contributed to Atlanta’s high HIV rates, including:
- Poverty:Poverty significantly increases the risk of HIV infection in Atlanta by creating barriers to prevention and treatment, and by intensifying social and economic vulnerabilities that drive risky behaviors. High-poverty neighborhoods in Atlanta face higher risk, with limited access to healthcare, preventative services, and resources for maintaining overall health.
- Limited Access to Care:Healthcare and prevention services are not equally accessible across all neighborhoods, especially in underserved communities.
- Stigma and Discrimination:Persistent stigma around HIV, especially in African American and LGBTQ+ communities, discourages people from getting tested or seeking help.
Progress and Hope: Declining Rates
The situation, while alarming, is getting better. Focused public health efforts in Atlanta and across Georgia have led to a noticeable drop in new HIV diagnoses—by 12% statewide from 2018 to 2022, and by 13.5% nationally between 2018 and 2020. These improvements come from increased prevention, better education, and easier access to care.
PrEP: Powerful Prevention from HEALing Community Health
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily pill or long-acting injection that can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV by up to 99% when taken as prescribed. HEALing Community Health is committed to making PrEP accessible to those who need it most.
PrEP is recommended for HIV-negative individuals at higher risk for HIV, including those who:
- Have an HIV-positive sexual partner
- Have multiple sexual partners, especially without consistent condom use
- Are men who have sex with men (MSM)
- Have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months
- Exchange sex for money, housing, or other resources
- Inject drugs and share needles or equipment
- Have partners whose HIV status is unknown, especially if they are from a high-prevalence group or area (like Atlanta)Are in a relationship with someone at high risk for HIV
To be prescribed PrEP by HEALing Community Health, individuals must:
- Test negative for HIV at the start and regularly during use
- Have no signs or symptoms of acute HIV infection
- Have normal kidney function (as certain PrEP medications can affect the kidneys)
- Be willing to take medication regularly and follow up for routine testing
These guidelines are in line with recommendations from the CDC, the Georgia Department of Public Health, HIV.gov and the Morehouse School of Medicine.
Actionable Steps: How to Get Started with PrEP
- Schedule a confidential HIV test at HEALing Community Health
- Discuss your risk factors openly with your provider
- If eligible, start PrEP and return for regular check-ups and labs
- Continue using other prevention tools, like condoms, alongside PrEP for best protection
