United Way provides leadership and expertise, as well as administrative, financial and technical support to the Mid-South's battle against HIV/AIDS.
Important local statistics:
Memphis has been categorized as a Transitional Grant Area because of the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in the area. This categorization allows the area to access additional federal funding for HIV/AIDS services. Memphis/Shelby County has the highest number of cases of HIV/AIDS in the state of TN. In 2007, there were 458 newly-reported HIV/AIDS cases in the area. In Shelby County there are 5,408 people living with HIV/AIDS. 81% of these people are African-Americans. 1/3 of the newly-reported cases are females.
Volunteer Leadership:
The Mid-South Coalition on HIV/AIDS includes consumers, HIV/AIDS service providers and community volunteers helping to improve the quality of life for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Based upon community research and member expertise, the Coalition makes critical decisions about providing needed HIV/AIDS services in the tri-state area.
Prevention:
Centers for Disease Control Prevention funds are being used to provide funding for seven community-based organizations that use best practices to educate the community on how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Additionally, in 2007 the State of Tennessee provided funding to expand HIV/AIDS testing and education in West Tennessee.
Care for people living with AIDS:
United Way serves as the conduit for eight Mid-South agencies to receive Ryan White Part A and Ryan White Part B funds. These are federal funds targeted to provide direct medical care, dental care, support services and insurance assistance to people living with AIDS. The Coalition and United Way of the Mid-South continue to work together to seek additional resources for the region's HIV/AIDS care.
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