On World AIDS Day, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, St. Thomas Community Health Center (CHC) brought together area leaders at GW Fins Restaurant to discuss a serious health crisis in our city and state. The discussion led by Dr. Stacy Greene, M.D., Infectious Diseases expert at St. Thomas CHC, focused on new, hopeful HIV prevention strategies, with an emphasis on PrEP.
Notable attendees included: Dr. Rebekah Gee, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary and DeeAnn Gruber, PhD, STD/HIV Program Director, Louisiana Department of Health & Board Chair of NASTAD (National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors). Also participating in the discussion was Councilmember LaToya Cantrell. Infectious disease experts present included Dr. Lynn Besch and Dr. MarkAlain Dery.
Dr. Greene noted in his presentation that, “HIV rates in the metro areas are astounding.” He also said, “This amazing meeting of the minds brings together our area's leading healthcare experts. Here, we have now elevated the discussion of HIV prevention to stop the further progress of this modern pandemic. PrEP is a great step in the right direction.”
St. Thomas Community Health Center plans to increase awareness and access to preventive care among those who are most vulnerable to HIV in New Orleans through their community initiative We PrEP Together. St. Thomas CHC wants to eliminate barriers for everyone who can benefit from this care.