People who use drugs are 14 times more likely to contract HIV, but stigma, strict laws, and criminalization make it hard for people to access the essential healthcare they need.
Harm reduction programs include a range of health and social services from safe needle exchange and overdose prevention to housing and legal support. Even though these programs have been proven to help, funding is far below what is needed. Tragically, only 1% of people who inject drugs around the world have optimal access to these lifesaving services. The Elton John AIDS Foundation’s goal is to make these services more available around the world, and in turn, save lives.
We see higher rates of HIV cases among people who use drugs, so the Elton John AIDS Foundation is committed to supporting programs that provide high quality, stigma-free services because that’s what every human being deserves. – Noelle Esquire, U.S. Portfolio Lead
One person who knows how powerful harm reduction programs can be is Cetoya, a referral specialist at the Foundation’s partner, Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition. But before helping others, Cetoya was a client herself. With the care, compassion, and practical help she received, Cetoya was able to build the life she wanted – including becoming a mother, homeowner and someone who gives back to her community. Now, she is dedicated to helping others do the same.
Effective harm reduction programs tackle HIV and overdose in the US South
In 2022, the state of Georgia had the second-highest rate of new HIV cases for every 100,000 people. At the same time, fatal drug overdoses in the state increased by 55.9% between 2019 and 2021 – representing the loss of 2,327 lives. This makes the judgement-free care and support provided by organizations like Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition more important than ever.
With funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition empowers individuals to take control of their health and safety. Watch this one-minute film from our recent trip to Atlanta to see how they reach the community with lifesaving overdose prevention tools like naloxone, for free.
How Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition Changed Cetoya’s life
During our recent visit to Atlanta, Cetoya shared her inspiring journey from being unhoused to now supporting her community as a referral specialist at Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition.
“I was on drugs, and there was a lot going on. I wasn’t living right,” Cetoya says. “I found out my HIV status here. They helped me through everything including getting a job and finding housing.”
After finding out her HIV status, Cetoya struggled with her mental health. The team at Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition provided her with support that changed her life.
“They helped me through my depression. HIV tears so many people up. I lost myself. I stopped doing everything and didn’t care anymore. Then I met these people at Georgia Harm Reduction Coalition. They saw something in me that I didn’t see.”
Cetoya goes above and beyond in her role to help others. As a referral specialist, she assists people with getting IDs, food stamps, birth certificates and mental health support. More than that, she’s a source of hope for those who are struggling. “I’m the face that tells people it gets better. I know everybody—this is my community. These are my people. So when I do what I do, I do it from the heart. I push people and I do it because I love my community,” shares Cetoya.
“I give people a rope and show them that this is how I got on my feet and took care of my mental health. Never give up. Always have hope. HIV does not define the person that you are. It’s just letters. That’s it. I’m not HIV. I’m living with HIV.”
Learn more about how we are transforming lives by supporting people who use drugs, like Cetoya, in the U.S and around the world. Consider making a generous donation today to help us continue this important work.
