MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Data shows the metropolitan area of Memphis places second among metropolitan areas in the U.S. for new HIV infections, according to the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD).
The Tennessee Department of Health's preliminary data indicates the infection rate in Shelby County for those between the ages of 15 and 19 increased by about 50% from 2022 to 2023. Also in Shelby County, new HIV case rates for people the age of 15 to 24 are over five times higher than the nation overall for the same age group.
SCHD officials are aiming to increase awareness of the issue by offering free walk-in confidential HIV testing on Monday, Dec. 2, at two locations as they honor World Aids Day, which can be viewed below:
- Shelby County Health Department’s Sexual Health Clinic
814 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The Atrium at Overton Square
2105 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Shelby County Health Department Ryan White Program’s theme for this year's event is called the “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” acknowledging service and advocacy agencies and organizations that fight against HIV.
The free event include a dinner, vendors, giveaways and the presentation of the Memphis Ryan White Program’s Light of Hope Awards to honor those in the Mid-South working to decrease HIV in communities.