HIV/AIDS
Program Contacts
Zachary Levar
Deputy Director
216.201.2001 ext 1512
zlevar@ccbh.net
Erin Lark Turcoliveri
Supervisor
216.201.2001 ext 1326
elark@ccbh.net
What is the issue?
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is one of the world’s most serious public health challenges. Locally, Cuyahoga County was identified as one of the 57 priority jurisdictions in the U.S. that account for more than half of new HIV diagnoses. Both systems and individual practices have led to the persistence of this epidemic. But there is a global commitment to stopping new HIV infections and ensuring that everyone with HIV has access to HIV treatment.
Why does it matter?
Although statistics indicate that men who have sex with men (MSM) have higher incidence in HIV positive diagnosis, the impact of HIV reaches far beyond MSM. In fact, persons between the ages 20 and 34, in addition to females who engage in heterosexual contact with males, are less likely to consider the risks of acquiring HIV. Misunderstanding and miseducation have perpetuated the stigma of HIV in such a way that many people no longer consider it as a potential outcome of sexual activity.
There are still misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted and what it means to live with HIV today. A lack of information and awareness combined with outdated beliefs leads to stigma and fear of getting HIV. Talking openly can help normalize the subject.
Many people still think of HIV as a disease that only certain groups get. This leads to negative value judgements about people who are living with HIV.
2023 data
145 reported new diagnoses of HIV in Cuyahoga County (rate = 11.8 per 100,000)
82% (n=119) of new diagnoses were among males
62% (n=90) were among Black/African American people
The rate of new diagnoses among Black/African American people was more than five times higher than that among White people
Male-to-male sexual contact was the transmission category for 72% (n=86) of males
Heterosexual contact was the transmission category for 81% (n=21) of females
59% (n=85) of new diagnoses occurred in those between the ages of 20 and 34 years-old
83% of those age 13 and older diagnosed with HIV in Cuyahoga County in 2022 were linked to care within 30 days of diagnosis
View more local information on the CCBH HIV/STI Dashboard
What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is no effective cure at this time.
Once people get HIV, they have it for life. With proper medical care, it can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.
There are still misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted and what it means to live with HIV today. A lack of information and awareness combined with outdated beliefs leads to stigma and fear of getting HIV. Talking openly can help normalize the subject.
Many people think of HIV as a disease that only certain groups get. This leads to negative value judgements about people who are living with HIV.
How is HIV transmitted?
Sexual contract (oral, anal, or vaginal) with an infected partner
Sharing needles to inject drugs
During pregnancy, birth or breast/chest feeding
HIV is not transmitted in these ways
Air or water
Saliva, sweat, tears or closed-mouth kissing
Insects or pets
Sharing toilets, food or drinks
How do I know if I have HIV?
The only way to be sure is to get tested. Knowing your HIV status helps you make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting HIV. Knowing your status gives you powerful information to keep you and your partner healthy.
Contact the CCBH Clinic for testing information
Are there symptoms?
Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks. Having these symptoms alone doesn’t mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms. Some people have no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.
Protecting yourself from HIV
Use condoms the right way every time you have anal or oral sex
Don’t inject drugs, or if you do, don’t share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment
If you engage in behaviors that may increase your chances of getting HIV, ask your health care provider if pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is right for you
Get tested at least once, or more often, if you have certain risk factors
Get tested and treated for other STDs
Keeping yourself healthy and protecting others if you have HIV
Find HIV care and stay in HIV care
Take your HIV treatment as prescribed
Get and keep an undetectable viral load; this is the best way to stay healthy and protect others
If you have an undetectable viral load, you will not transmit HIV through sex
If your viral load is not undetectable (meaning that it is detectable), you can still protect your partners by using other HIV prevention options
HIV Programming
CCBH provides programs and services to prevent and treat HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Services include prevention, testing, treatment, care and disease reporting for HIV and STI’s. These regional services are provided to Northeast Ohio counties, including: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain & Medina. Program funding is provided by the Ohio Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Resources
CCBH Clinic
Ending the HIV Epidemic
HIV/STI Dashboard
HIV.gov
Love Leads Here
Ryan White Program