AIDS in the Circle City
Conclusions
In closing, the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Indianapolis and Indiana is mainly focused on the black population, the MSM, and the IDU. To solve these problems, each community must be looked at individually and dealt with as is appropriate. For the black community, it is necessary to address the fact that homosexuality is not often accepted and that many men are on the “down-low.” We need to get literature and information to them in a way that they feel comfortable with, whether it be through a support group or the internet. For the MSM, we have to encourage them not to become complacent and shrug off the idea of AIDS as a treatable disease. We need to encourage them through education to maintain safe-sex practices and be aware of their partner’s HIV status. For the IDU, we need to implement an SEP so that the spread of HIV through that community is stemmed.
Indianapolis is on the right track when it comes to prevention. There are great places like the Damien Center and wonderful organizations like Bridging the Gap that have done great work in the community. But there is still more to be done. There is always more to be done.
