Thomas Judd Care Center, a Munson Healthcare program, today announced Northwest Michigan has had an uptick in HIV cases in the region between 2019-2023 and is educating the public on prevention methods.
The Thomas Judd Center (TJCC) will also recognize World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, with a free movie screening of “The Holdovers” at the AMC Cherry Blossom 14 Theatre in Traverse City on Friday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m., following a brief panel discussion on the increase of HIV cases in the region.
“While we certainly have our eye on the regional increase in HIV cases, there is no need to panic,” said TJCC Nurse Practitioner Shawn Kintigh. “We are focusing on prevention methods and educating providers. The tools to stop HIV in its tracks exist, but the real work begins in educating our community and in conversations between people and their primary care providers.”
The panel discussion, featuring TJCC staff, will provide the community with an update on an increase in HIV cases in Northwest Michigan, including Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties. HIV diagnoses have jumped 214% — from 14 positive cases reported from 2014-2018, to 44 cases from 2019-2023. One common factor in most of the new diagnoses was a low HIV testing history. The State of Michigan notified local county health departments and the Thomas Judd Care Center earlier this month of the significant increase in new HIV diagnoses to help increase awareness of the regional health concern.
“We are urging citizens to take proactive steps: get educated about safe practices, encourage regular testing, and support those living with HIV. We look forward to sharing in a conversation with the community at the World AIDS Day event on December 1,” added Kintigh.
World AIDS Day occurs annually on Dec. 1 to remind people about the worldwide effort to stop HIV and AIDS, as well as to commemorate those who have died because of the disease. More information can be found at worldaidsday.org.
“The Holdovers,” which is rated R, is a holiday comedic drama about a cranky New England prep school professor (Paul Giamatti) who is forced to remain on campus to watch over a handful of students who have nowhere to go. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 and free concessions will be provided.
Thomas Judd Care Center, a department of Munson Healthcare, opened in 1994 with a vision to meet care needs for patients with HIV and AIDS. It offers HIV prevention resources, medical case management, free HIV testing, and more. To learn more about Thomas Judd Care Center, call 231-935-7548 or go to munsonhealthcare.org/tjcc.