Tennessee: No Bliss Ignoring the Risk of HIV

"It's been nearly 30 years since what was then called Gay-Related Immune Deficiency was identified, and by 2006, 1.1 million Americans were living with [HIV/AIDS].

"Once seen as a death sentence, people can now, with the advent of drug cocktails, live decades with the disease, as if it were a chronic illness.

"But [Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region health educator Jennifer] Warren said AIDS remains deadly and is still preventable, a point she stresses in her outreach. It's getting harder to convince people of the urgency, that knowing your HIV status is better than not knowing, that this is still a serious problem.

"'A lot of times,' said Warren, 'we think ignorance is bliss. (People say) 'I'll live longer and happier not knowing.'

"People are quick, Warren has found, to point to basketball great Magic Johnson, who went public with his HIV-positive status in 1991 -- and how healthy he appears -- and assume being HIV-positive is no big deal.

"But if you are HIV-positive and delay finding out, the virus could progress into full-blown AIDS, which is much more difficult to treat.

"What was a disease thought to be exclusive to gay men has shifted, in Memphis and Shelby County, to a virus that affects black men and women most.

"And of those diagnosed locally in 2007, 23 percent were between the ages of 15-24.

"Young or black or both, and at risk -- but we don't have to be.

"Abstinence is the only 100 percent guarantee, but safer sex and not trading IV drug needles reduces the risk.

"The test: Free. Knowing your status so you're not putting others at risk: Priceless."

Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region is marking National HIV Testing Day by offering free testing on Friday; for information on testing during regular clinic hours, telephone 901-725-1717 or visit www.plannedparenthood.org/memphis.

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