Phoenix pushing for more outreach with rise in cases of HIV in Hispanic, Latino men

PHOENIX (AZFamily) —Maricopa County is seeing a growing number of young men getting diagnosed with HIV. It mirrors a similar trend nationally.

In 2022, Arizona reported a 20% increase in new HIV cases. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services , more than 40% of the 975 new HIV cases in the state were Hispanic patients.

HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or gender. However, research shows stigma and language barriers are keeping Hispanic and Latino men from seeking HIV care.

Eric Morales found out he was HIV positive in 2017. "I myself have had my face on a large billboard in downtown Phoenix," he shared.

He's the developmental manager at Southwest Center, which focuses on caring for the LGBTQ+ community .

He also helps connect others to testing and encourages them to take control of their health.

"It comes with a lot of internal stigma that's created because of our community," said Morales. "We're afraid to talk to our primary care providers and afraid to even talk amongst friends."

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was about three years into a federal initiative to end the nation's HIV epidemic by pumping hundreds of millions of dollars annually into certain states, counties and U.S. territories with the highest infection rates. Maricopa County is receiving some of that funding.

Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Garcia attributes the rise in cases partly to the lack of bilingual outreach. "There's not that many Latino physicians that speak the language, understand the culture and are involved in HIV care so that was my calling," he said.

Through the clinic in downtown Phoenix, he aims to bridge that gap. "We go to events, Latino night clubs and pride, Latino pride, independence days and going to other embassies and consulates from other countries so we can target those populations," said Rodriguez-Garcia.

One way to prevent HIV is testing and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, or prep, a medication that greatly reduces the likelihood of HIV transmission. CDC data shows much lower rates of prep coverage among Latinos.

"Unfortunately within the Latino community, it's underutilized and extremely effective," said Dr. Rodriguez-Garcia. "It helps reduce HIV transmission up to 99%. It's a really effective medication that unfortunately a lot of people who are candidates are not taking."

Morales says ending the stigma surrounding talking about HIV and getting tested could bring down cases. "It's important to step up and let everyone know, you're not alone," he said.

ADHS' HIV Prevention Program works with various jurisdictions, community-based organizations, clinics, grassroots organizations, and committees to address social, financial and structural factors that place Arizonans at risk for contracting HIV.

To learn more about Spectrum Medical, visit their website for information on HIV and testing resources.