Why HIV testing is important: The numbers tell the story

National HIV Testing Day is observed June 27 – a time to raise awareness about HIV testing and encourage individuals to get tested. It’s also a time to celebrate the progress made in the fight against HIV.

IU Health’s LifeCare is the largest provider of HIV treatment, medical services, and education in the state. A team of practitioners including nurses, infectious disease physicians, licensed social workers, and pharmacists, are available to work alongside clients. LifeCare, located at 1633 N. Capitol Ave, in the Methodist Tower, offers confidential HIV testing, health and physical exams, comprehensive treatment plans, lab work, immunizations and vaccinations, and access to specialty and community referrals.

This month, team members will be out in the community offering free HIV testing. Here’s a little bit about those team members.

Siarra Smith began her career with IU Health working in the milk lab at Riley Hospital. She transitioned to her role with LifeCare earlier this year where she partners with community outreach and education and helps connect people with information about HIV.

Elizabeth “Liz” Schey has served as a case manager since 2019. In her role, she works to engage and care for people living with HIV, and to partner with organizations providing outreach and education.

Why is HIV testing important:

HIV testing is so important because we have the means to realistically end new HIV with treatment. We can’t treat people who don’t know their HIV status. HIV is now easier to treat than diabetes and people living with HIV are living into old age. We even have a Geriatric HIV doctor on staff.

The statistics:

• In 2014 Scott County Indiana had the worst HIV outbreak since the beginning of the HIV epidemic.
• In Indiana, there were an estimated 15,100 people with HIV in 2022. Of that population, 12,633 have knowledge of their HIV-positive status, which is 83.6%.
• In Indiana, there were 612 people who received an HIV diagnosis in 2022. Of that population, 472 received HIV medical care within one month of a new HIV diagnosis, which is 77.1%.
• In Indiana, there were 12,169 people with HIV in 2022. Of that population, 8,484 achieved viral suppression, which is 69.7%.
• Marion County is considered an “HIV Hotspot” and is a county identified by Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative.

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with LifeCare call: 317-962-2700.

-By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender2@iuhealth.org