Two significant changes in public health and HIV/AIDS programs are underway in Atlanta and Fulton County. The measures include: Atlanta’s newly created position of chief health officer; and Fulton’s expansion and renaming of its HIV services program to manage President Trump’s goal of ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.

Dr. Angelica Geter Fugerson will serve as the city’s first-ever chief health officer.
“Dr. Fugerson is uniquely qualified to lead our city’s efforts on improving the overall health and well-being of Atlantans,” Bottoms said in a press release. “Her experience and expertise tackling public health issues — including in-depth research on HIV/AIDS — will be invaluable as we continue to build healthier, thriving communities in Atlanta.”

The new department is an expansion of the Ryan White Program, a federally-funded program run by the Fulton Board of Health that provides care for low-income, uninsured and underinsured people living with HIV in Atlanta.

Friends across LGBTQ Atlanta are mourning the death of Navy veteran, HIV/AIDS activist and political trailblazer Richard Rhodes, who died Saturday. A memorial service is scheduled for Aug. 3.

The , has established the Fulton County Department for HIV Elimination. The change reflects the expanded mission of the Ryan White Department. In addition to managing Ryan White Part A grants representing $27.7 million in federal funding each year, the Department for HIV Elimination will take a leadership role in the development of a metro Atlanta regional plan to get to no new cases of HIV.

Contrary to popular belief, the story of HIV in Atlanta has never been about white gay men with resources. The story is black gay men with few resources. If you’re wondering why that’s important, here’s your answer: The vast majority of people newly diagnosed and living with HIV are African American and living in metro Atlanta.

Atlanta’s identity is loaded with things to be proud of. A legacy of civil rights activism. Headquarters of some of the world’s most recognizable brands. A vibrant and envied hip-hop history and future. A burgeoning technological hub. Home of the world’s busiest airport.