- While new HIV diagnoses are hitting lows across major cities (eg NYC, Chicago, San Francisco), an opposite trend of outbreaks is emerging in rural America.
- Rural areas such as Appalachia, West Virginia are experiencing an uptick due to the opioid epidemic.
- Many prescription drug addicts have switched to cheaper injectable alternatives (eg heroin, fentanyl), which results in the sharing of dirty needles.
- The rural HIV outbreak is worsened by the fact that rural areas lack the healthcare infrastructure to meet growing needs.
