Mid-South Youth

Did you know that approximately one in four new HIV infections affects teens and young adults ages 13-24?

But, knowing now about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment will help you stay healthy.

What you need to know, if you are 13-24:

Anyone engaged in sexual activity is at risk.

  • 76,400 young people are living with HIV.
  • 1,000 new HIV cases are among young people every month.
  • 29% of new Memphis-area HIV cases in 2012 were from ages 15-24.*
  • 86% of new HIV cases among young women ages 13-24 are due to heterosexual sex.

Youth of color are disproportionately affected.

  • 80% of new HIV cases among young people ages 13-24 occur in youth of color.
  • 87% of HIV cases among young men ages 13-24 are among young men of color.
  • In Memphis, more new youth infections occurred among African-American males than among any other group by race/ethnicity and gender.*

Almost 60% of youth with HIV in the United States do not know they are infected.

Only 23% of sexually active high school students have been tested for HIV nationwide.

*Source: Shelby County Health Department, HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Profile 2012, Memphis TGA

Get tested. It’s free and easy.

Getting tested is the easiest way to prevent the spreading of HIV/AIDS. Testing is quick and painless! Find the nearest testing location.

Protect yourself and others FOR FREE by visiting http://www.freecondomsmemphis.org/.

Enter in basic information and a nearby street address to find the closest location handing out free condoms.

If you have HIV, get treatment as soon as possible.

Share information about HIV/AIDS and the Ryan White Program services. Download resources here to spread the word.

CALL OUR HOTLINE! 1-877-HIV-KNOW (1-877-448-5669)

We have the resources you need to help with your treatment. All you have to do is ask!

This is a safe place. Your call will be completely confidential.

Visit our “Get Care” section to learn about the many treatment resources available to you through The Ryan White Program.

Memphis-area youth are sharing their stories, so that others can be inspired by their determination to lead fulfilling and successful lives despite HIV diagnoses.

 

 

 

 

Xavier, 23, has lived with AIDS for four years, and is an active member of the AIDS Community Advisory Board at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Xavier shares his story with friends, family and co-workers, who are amazed at what he has been able to accomplish with his positive outlook on life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sienna, 22, tested positive for HIV during a routine pregnancy checkup when she was 20. She was regularly tested for HIV, so the positive result surprised her. Sienna previously hid from her diagnosis, but decided she had a responsibility to share her story after experiencing the life-changing event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharmain, 23, was born with HIV and fought the stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS while growing up. Now a college graduate and young professional, she has spoken at several Memphis-area schools about education, prevention practices and treatment.

 

 

 

  • OutMemphis empowers, connects, educates and advocates for the LGBT community of the Mid-South.
  • The Red Door Foundation is an organization with the mission of promoting social awareness, unity, self- empowerment, mentorship and positive visibility throughout the Memphis/ Shelby County community.
  • Connect-to-Protect® (C2P) is a nationwide initiative for community and local researchers. In Memphis, C2P aggressively fights against HIV/AIDS in at-risk youth and young adult females 13-24. C2P Memphis Community Resource Guide
  • Metro Teen Aids is a Washington, D.C-based community health organization dedicated to partnering with young people to end HIV/AIDS. It has provided education and prevention resources to over 200,000 young people, family members and youth workers in the D.C. area.
  • Amplify Your Voice is a blog committed to securing the sexual health and rights for all young people domestically and abroad. Submit posts for others to read, or browse a section to learn more about others’ experiences.

Spread the word through a guest speaker or educational materials. Email RWProgram@shelbycountytn.gov for more information.