Dr. Renee McCoy Sheds Light on the Ongoing Crisis with Trae Holiday

Dr. McCoy shared her journey from being a pastor in Harlem during the early days of the epidemic to her current role at African American Reach and Teach Health (ART).

During the interview with Trae Holiday, Dr. McCoy emphasized the ongoing impact of HIV on black communities, stating, "HIV is still a black thing." She highlighted that over 40% of people living with HIV in the U.S. are black, despite advancements in treatment that have made HIV a manageable chronic disease.

Dr. McCoy discussed the persistent stigmatization of HIV and the lack of prevention messages and services tailored for black communities. Dr. McCoy called for a collaborative effort to address HIV stigma and improve access to prevention and care. She stressed the importance of community engagement, education, and support in combating the epidemic.

Renee encouraged parents to educate their children about sex and safer sex practices, and highlighted the availability of home test kits to promote testing. To further these efforts, Dr. McCoy promoted an upcoming town hall meeting at Plymouth Church for National Black HIV and AIDS Awareness Day.

The event will feature experts, people living with HIV, and representatives from the health department, providing a platform for community members to engage in conversations about HIV prevention and care.

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