Act-Up Shreveport

10/02/2025

Scientists have achieved a monumental milestone in medicine: using CRISPR gene-editing technology to remove HIV DNA from infected human cells permanently. Unlike traditional treatments that suppress the virus, this therapy targets and excises the viral genome, preventing HIV from returning.
The breakthrough, demonstrated in laboratory settings, could revolutionize the fight against AIDS, potentially providing a functional cure. CRISPR’s precision allows it to selectively remove harmful sequences without damaging healthy DNA, a feat that opens doors for treating other genetic diseases as well.
While human trials are still in the early stages, this development represents a beacon of hope for millions living with HIV worldwide. It showcases the transformative power of genetic engineering in curing diseases previously thought incurable.

01/28/2025

https://rollcall.com/2025/01/28/pause-to-aids-funding-leaves-health-experts-scrambling/

Health analysts say that the pause in funding for international and domestic efforts to halt HIV and AIDS are "unprecedented."

08/23/2024

https://glaad.org/people-living-with-hiv-can-no-longer-be-prohibited-from-joining-the-military-federal-court-rules/

This week, another bold step was taken toward eradicating HIV stigma with the striking down of the Pentagon's last remaining policy impacting people living with HIV, which prohibited Americans living with HIV from serving in the U.S. military. Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV; 1...

12/02/2023

Here is a brief history of the AIDS epidemic in Shreveport, LA-

- The first case of AIDS in Shreveport was reported in 1982, and by 1985, there were 25 cases and 13 deaths¹.
- In 1987, a group of activists formed the Shreveport chapter of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), a national organization that fought for the rights and dignity of people living with AIDS. They staged protests, rallies, and educational events to raise awareness and demand better treatment and prevention services².
- In 1990, the Philadelphia Center, a nonprofit organization that provides HIV testing, counseling, and support services, opened its doors in Shreveport. It is the oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization in the region³.
- In 1992, the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport established the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, which includes a comprehensive HIV/AIDS clinic that offers medical care, research, and education.
- In 2015, a local documentary titled "Small Town Rage: Fighting Back in the Deep South" premiered at the North Louisiana Gay and Le***an Film Festival. The film chronicles the history and impact of ACT UP Shreveport and features interviews with former members, allies, and opponents².
- In 2018, Shreveport had the third-highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in Louisiana, with 90 cases and a rate of 16.8 per 100,000 population. The majority of the cases were among black males aged 25-34.
- In 2022, there were 4,876 PrEP users in Shreveport, a medication that can prevent HIV infection. The PrEP-to-Need Ratio, which measures the proportion of PrEP users to new HIV diagnoses, was 5.42, indicating a moderate level of unmet need for HIV prevention.

06/06/2023

WIN! We want to thank advocates like the Louisiana Coalition of Criminalization & Health, ,and LA Reps. and Mandie Landry for sponsoring HR130, which creates a task force to study public health outcomes related to the criminalization of HIV. Today (6/2), this resolution passed the house with 88 yays and 0 nays!

No evidence asserts HIV criminalization reduces transmission. However, we do know that HIV criminalization works against public health by creating mistrust of health professionals. It deters people from testing and treatment and exacerbates an already overwhelming social stigma accompanying an HIV diagnosis. This is not the way to end the epidemic! We can and by ending HIV criminalization in Louisiana!

06/05/2023

On this day in 1981, The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that five people in Los Angeles, California, have a rare form of pneumonia seen only in patients with weakened immune systems. It was later documented as the first recognized cases of AIDS.

03/07/2023

https://www.poz.com/slideshow/20-essential-films-about-hiv-aids/20

A list of must-see movies about the epidemic.

06/25/2022

Act-Up Shreveport is still here. Still demanding change. Still creating hope.

If you do one thing today, watch Small Town Rage: https://youtu.be/uDSv_p2XBnY

This is our history. 🌈

12/21/2021

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-health-and-wellness/fda-approves-first-injectable-hiv-prevention-drug-rcna9426?cid=sm_npd_nn_fb_ma

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first long-acting injectable medication for use as pre-exposure prevention, or PrEP, against HIV, the agency

08/18/2021

Moderna's HIV vaccine is different from previous ones in a key way that could make all the difference...