HIV Prevalence and Resource Availability in Tarrant County

Date

2019-03-05

Authors

Karnkowska, Barbara
Garcia, Laura
Mebane, Nova
Norris, Ashton
Shawn, Samuel

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Purpose: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system and can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if not treated. HIV management has been improving since its discovery in the 1970’s. However, lack of knowledge regarding community resources is a limiting factor in the low-income population. The purpose of this review is to report HIV mechanism of infection, current infection rates and resources available in Tarrant County. Methods: We conducted a literature search to find resources specific to the Tarrant County area focusing on HIV education, transmission reduction, treatment as well as support groups. Results: Services provided at low cost that help prevent the spread of HIV are the most widely available. These are made available by the AOC (AIDS Outreach Center), HELP (Health Education and Learning Project), the Tarrant County Public Health Department, and the JPS Healing Wings HIV/AIDS Center. HIV education services are limited due to the constraint of appointments. The most comprehensive assistance programs are reserved for low-income individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. These comprehensive programs assign a case manager to help individuals take advantage of the broad range of services offered, such as psychological counseling, nutritional guidance, support groups, cancer screenings, and pain management. Conclusion: Since the discovery of this disease, there has been a growing effort to help this subpopulation of people in the Fort Worth community. There are many programs that aid a HIV patient with important needs such as healthcare, medicine access, HIV education, or a supportive community to live in. Many of these resources discussed can be easily accessed through the internet, by telephone, or inquiring with their local community organization. However, there are still barriers that may exclude people from receiving the benefits of these resources such as income status and household size. It is evident through these programs that not just prevention of this disease should be a main focus, but also caring for those who are afflicted with this illness as well.

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