HIV Is Not a Crime: A Discussion on Legal, Policy, Health & Equity Considerations Related to HIV Criminalization
In recognition of World AIDS Day, NACCHO is hosting the CDC Division of HIV Prevention, the Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP), and the South Carolina Department of Public Health for a conversation about the legal, policy, and equity repercussions of HIV criminalization and the role of health departments in addressing and protecting communities from harms enacted by these statutes.
CHLP Senior PJP Attorney Jada Hicks will present along with Shifawu Odunsi, MPH, MCHES, Public Health Advisor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV Prevention (CDC/DHP); Monetha B. Gaskin, MPH, CPM, CCHP®, CHES, Continuum of Care and Justice-Involved Program Manager, STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis Section, South Carolina Department of Public Health; and Julia Zigman, MPH, HIV Senior Program Analyst, National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
After more than 40 years of HIV research and significant biomedical advancements to treat and prevent HIV, most HIV criminalization laws do not reflect current scientific and medical evidence. These laws are unjust, increase stigma, exacerbate disparities, lead to inequities, and may discourage HIV testing. Under existing laws in most states, the behavior of people with HIV can be criminalized for potentially exposing others to HIV. Actual transmission or intent to transmit HIV is not usually required.
This webinar will provide an overview of the state of HIV criminalization laws in the U.S. and highlight tools and best practices for addressing and preventing harm from HIV criminalization. Participants will learn about the roles and responsibilities of LHDs in protecting communities from HIV criminalization, including examples of data privacy protections, community partnerships, and de-stigmatization activities.
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) comprises over 3,300 local health departments across the United States seeks to improve the public's health while adhering to a set of core values: equity, excellence, participation, respect, integrity, leadership, science & innovation. NACCHO . Together, we form an organization focused on being a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for change for local health departments around the nation.
