ARCW Responds to HIV and Syphilis Cluster in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE—(March 7, 2018)—“The cluster of HIV and syphilis infections reported in Milwaukee is a clarion call for a
much greater, coordinated response,” said ARCW President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Gifford. “The tragic
truth is that HIV disproportionately impacts youth – especially young people of color – in our community. We all must
act urgently to protect their health and save lives.”

“These steps represent an enhanced response to address new HIV and syphilis infections. We will continue to develop
additional strategies to protect people at risk. We look forward to partnering with the leadership of the City of
Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Schools, the United Way, and the private sector to enhance our community’s response to
this serious situation,” Gifford concluded.

Today, ARCW has expanded our efforts to include the following steps to be sure everyone has the information,
materials, programs, and services they need related to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention, care and
treatment.

Information access:

• ARCW has established a hotline from 9am to 8pm staffed by ARCW professionals that people can use to get
  information, schedule tests, learn how to get into health care or discuss their unique situation if they have been
  diagnosed with HIV or an STI; the number is 414-223-6801
• ARCW is running advertisements in multiple publications, on-line, on social media and in dating and ‘hook-up’
  mobile apps to make sure as many people as possible are aware of the cluster and the services we have
  available

Prevention services:

• ARCW is making condoms available to anyone who would like to have them for their use, or to provide to
  others, including young people, who they believe may need them to prevent HIV and/or STI infections, as well as
  unwanted pregnancy
• ARCW is expanding our HIV/STI testing hours and locations – include mobile testing – to ensure we are meeting
  the needs of individuals in the community. Testing is available until 8 pm., Monday through Thursday and until
  5pm on Friday at our location at 820 N Plankinton Ave.

Treatment services:

• ARCW has a well-trained and experienced group of health care providers available to provide immediate care to
  individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV. This care is available to people regardless of insurance status or
  who are unable to pay for their health care or medications
• ARCW offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is between 92-99% effective at preventing HIV infections
  when used as directed. PrEP is also available regardless of ability to pay or insurance status

More information about the ARCW response to this cluster can be found at www.arcw.org or by calling 414-223-6801.

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