HIV Numbers Spike In Rio Grande Valley: 'Over 3,000 People Infected In South Texas'
The number of people being infected with HIV in the Lower Rio Grande Valley is growing out of control, according to Valley Aids Council officials.
This time last year, from January to April 2013, over 200 people were diagnosed with HIV. While these numbers are alarming, they only accounted for individuals that got tested. According to VAC's Education Coordinator, Oscar Lopez, at least one person every day is diagnosed with HIV in the Valley.
"There's also a lot of human trafficking in the Valley we have a lot of men and women who are brought here into the United States from Central America, Latin America and held against their will, and many get exploited," said Lopez.
While human trafficking continues to be a big problem in the Valley, Lopez also believes such a large increase in HIV cases can be attributed to a lack of sex education, particularly in Hispanic families. The Rio Grande Valley is almost entirely Hispanic populated, and it is one of the poorest regions in the U.S., with the lowest household income. The Valley also holds another national distinction: It has one of the most expensive health-care markets in the entire country.
More at http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/14658/hiv-numbers-spike-in-rio-grande-valley-over-3000-people-infected-in-south-texas .
Cross-posted in the Texas Group.