SUMMARY: Despite federal recommendations, West Virginia grapples with a persistent HIV outbreak linked to opioid and methamphetamine use. Since the CDC’s 2021 visit highlighted the crisis, health officials and advocates have fought for syringe service programs to curb the epidemic. However, restrictive local policies hinder these efforts, and a previous program was shut down in 2018 due to political pressure. While alternative programs exist, they struggle with limited resources and support. Experts call for a coordinated statewide testing strategy and greater access to harm reduction services, urging policymakers to prioritize public health over political fears regarding drug use.

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SUMMARY: Bill Hall, a 71-year-old HIV survivor, has endured numerous health challenges, including depression, heart disease, and cancer since contracting the virus in 1986. His struggles are compounded by trauma from childhood, where he faced bullying and abuse in a government boarding school. LGBTQ+ seniors like Hall often face isolation, with many living alone and lacking social support. By 2030, the number of LGBTQ+ seniors is projected to double, increasing their vulnerability to health issues and mental struggles. Many have experienced profound loss from the AIDS crisis, leading to ongoing emotional challenges. Support services remain critical for this aging population.

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SUMMARY: In Las Vegas, case manager Bryon Johnson searches the underground tunnels for homeless individuals like Jay Flanders, who suffers from health issues and substance abuse. Escaping rising housing costs and law enforcement, around 1,200 to 1,500 people live in these tunnels, which provide shelter from extreme weather but pose significant health risks, especially during monsoon season. Outreach workers emphasize the dangers of drug addiction and untreated health conditions, urging residents to seek medical care above ground. As housing costs soar, many homeless individuals, including tourists, end up in these perilous conditions, seeking cover from societal judgment and harsh weather.

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The post Caseworkers Coax Homeless People out of Las Vegas’ Tunnels for Treatment appeared first on kffhealthnews.org