Franklin Pierce
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Democratic Lawmakers Demand More Funding, Resources Amid HIV, STI Outbreak in Shelby Co.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The Greater Memphis area ranks second in the nation for new HIV infection rates, behind Miami, Florida, and just in front of Atlanta, Georgia, according to Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Michelle Taylor.
It’s why a group of Tennessee lawmakers are demanding state health leaders step in to add resources and funding to help lower those rates.
The Tennessee Department of Health said overall HIV rates have increased 36% in Shelby County since 2018. In fact, HIV rates have increased 40 percent, between 2018 and 2023 among people 15-to-19 years old.
In that same age group, syphilis rates have gone up more than 150%.
The lawmakers are calling for more resources, public health initiatives and a state plan to combat the HIV rise, specifically in Memphis, including changing state laws to better educate kids about prevention.
Democratic lawmakers demand more funding, resources amid HIV, STI outbreak in Shelby Co.
The Greater Memphis area ranks second in the nation for new HIV infection rates, behind Miami, Florida, and just in front of Atlanta, Georgia, according to Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Michelle Taylor.
