86%
74%
89%
Source: Provided by Durham County
86%
NA
63%
56%
Source: Provided by Durham County
Mayor Elaine O’Neal, Mayor of Durham
101 City Hall Plaza Durham, NC 27701
919-560-1200
Mayor’s point of contact for FTCI
Amber Wade
Amber.Wade@durhamnc.govQuotes :
“Our community is stronger when we work as one, striving to care for our neighbors together. We are fortunate to have so many resources and dedicated and caring individuals right here in Durham. This is an achievable goal and I commit to doing all that is necessary to fully achieve our 95-95-95 goals. We can do this Durham!”
Mayor Brenda A. Howerton, Durham County Board of Commissioners
3325 Tarleton West, Durham, NC 27713
(919) 599-8213
Quotes :
“I am proud of Durham for working together to end this disease that continues to threaten the health and vitality of our citizens. With our successful, comprehensive partnerships in the community, we will continue to educate our residents, support our healthcare providers and make continued progress to end AIDS.”
"Some will not even get tested nor want to be seen anywhere near HIV testing, which is problematic. Then there is the fear of picking up HIV medicine and fearing judgment or someone finding out."
"I had to diagnose a close friend of mine with HIV. I tried to convince him to get on PrEP multiple times, but I was not persistent because I did not want to make him feel uncomfortable and not come back for testing. I also did not have the PrEP conversation with him as much as I should've. My biggest takeaway from that situation is be persistent if this can prevent a new infection. My approach to offering PrEP has definitely changed and has become a little more aggressive after that and continue having those conversations with the client because they could possibly change their mind if they initially say no."
"Try to normalize the conversations around HIV more by being more open and willing to talk and listen to others with lived experience."
"The most important role that friends, family, and communities can play in supporting people living with HV is being active listeners and advocates. People want to feel a sense of belonging and support when they go through traumatic events such as this."
"HIV testing and early detection is the first step in the reducing new infections. Staying informed and ensuring I'm tested regularly."
"I see the vast majority of these challenges as structural; taking care of our own health does require some responsibility and initiative but overwhelmingly people want to be well and are trying to navigate a system that's not designed for them to do so."
"I became Durham’s Health Department Director at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. I have seen from the front line how resilient and connected our community is. I witnessed our community pull together to support and uplift each other during some tough days and I know that Durham, NC can rise to meet the Fast-Track Cities 90-90-90 target goals."
“The sense of community is real in Durham. I have witnessed the care and consideration given to the needs of Durham. I have seen the impact of the work done to improve the well-being of Durham residents. If there is a place that can reach the Fast Track Cities 95-95-95 target, it is Durham. The model for an encompassing, accessible, and engaging effort is there and that is why success is possible.”
“I am very enthusiastic to work with our team on the Fast Track Cities initiative here in Durham County, North Carolina. The partnerships between our health department, community organizations, and academic centers provide great momentum to help end the HIV epidemic. I feel confident when I speak with my patients that we will see the end of HIV in this lifetime.”
"I feel that Durham can contribute locally to ending the HIV epidemic by cultivating awareness of the burden of HIV in the South, especially in the adolescent and young adult population. This will help patients understand how to take steps to protect themselves from HIV by discussing their risks with their partners and health care provider. Providers can partner with patients to encourage routine STI testing and promote the use of sexual health measures to end the HIV epidemic. For those living with HIV, adherence to daily medication and regular appointments with their health care team, including mental health, can ensure their health is prioritized and complications from HIV are reduced or eliminated.”
“HIV is preventable! HIV is treatable! Everyone can know their HIV status, with FREE testing available at the Durham County Department of Public Health (and many other locations around Durham County). You can prevent HIV with PrEP (taking one pill a day to prevent HIV transmission/infection). If you are living with HIV you can aim for an undetectable viral load with your doctor. We can reach our goals with 3 initiatives: Test, prevent and treat!”
‘We are greater than the sum of our parts, and here in Durham we have all the necessary tools to achieve the Fast Track Cities 95-95-95 target. Durham is an incredibly engaged community, rich in resources and dedicated individuals who are working together so all Durhamites have the opportunity to live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives. Let’s work together to achieve these goals and end the HIV epidemic.”
