#United States #HIV Care #Milwaukee #Vivent Health #Empowered Program

Vivent Health Featured on Empowered with Meg Ryan

In a groundbreaking episode of "Empowered with Meg Ryan," viewers will have the opportunity to reevaluate their understanding of living with HIV. This segment, partnered with Vivent Health, is set to air later this year and aims to present a compassionate perspective on HIV care and prevention. The film crew will head to Milwaukee to capture essential narratives that emphasize the human side of this critical medical issue.

Approximately 1.2 million individuals in the United States are living with HIV, with nearly 35,000 new diagnoses occurring every year. Despite advancements in medical treatment and understanding, awareness on these essential matters remains scarce. Vivent Health aims to change this by demonstrating their unique integrated, person-centered approach to HIV treatment and prevention, proving that individuals can live fulfilling lives while effectively managing their health.

Dr. Brandon Hill, President and CEO of Vivent Health, shared the organization's vision: "HIV is both manageable and preventable with the right care and treatment, but good health requires that we break down barriers to accessible and quality health care." The work undertaken by Vivent Health exemplifies a two-fold strategy. Their team-based care model enables those affected by HIV to gain access to both healthcare and social services, while their preventive measures—including PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis), STI testing, and condom distribution—play a pivotal role in reducing transmission rates within communities.

The segment will shed light on the social and structural challenges that particularly impact marginalized groups. Dr. Hill notes, "Many of the people we serve are Black, Brown, queer, poor, or unhoused. They are already facing food insecurity, discrimination, and more. That's why it's so critical we connect with our most marginalized communities, because in order to end HIV, we must address these significant disparities."

Community-based outreach is emphasized as a crucial strategy in reaching vulnerable populations. By providing essential services tailored to local communities, Vivent Health aims to facilitate better access to HIV prevention and care, thereby mitigating the stigma associated with HIV. This stigma often acts as a barrier to testing, prevents individuals from seeking care, and aggravates mental health challenges faced by those living with the virus.

Moreover, Vivent's impressive viral suppression rates serve as a testament to the efficacy of equitable care. They surpass national averages across various demographics, including Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx patients. This proves that equitable care is not just an aspiration but an attainable reality.

The ultimate objective of this compelling segment is to evoke a sense of compassion and understanding within the public regarding HIV. By fostering awareness, the program aims to garner public and private support for sustainable funding and the political resolve necessary to end this epidemic. Vivent Health draws upon decades of community-driven action that originally emerged in response to fear and isolation surrounding the virus.

About Empowered with Meg Ryan

"Empowered with Meg Ryan" is a Public Television program designed to inspire individuals to take informed actions that resonate within their communities. Through highlighting impactful organizations, it empowers viewers with knowledge valuable not only to themselves but also to the public at large.

About Vivent Health

Vivent Health is dedicated to delivering comprehensive HIV prevention and care services throughout multiple states. With a foundation rooted in community action, the organization emphasizes a person-centered approach that addresses both the medical and social determinants affecting individuals' health.

For those interested in groundbreaking discussions surrounding HIV care and prevention, this episode featuring Vivent Health promises to be a must-watch, encouraging social discourse and awareness in the fight against HIV.