Tony Merritt, 77, has been living with HIV for more than three decades and is using his voice as a member of Atlanta’s Black LGBTQ+ community to be fearless and encourage others to get tested and learn their status.
Working with the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb. 7, Merritt partnered with AvitaCare Atlanta on an HIV and STI testing event called “Be Fearless. Get Tested.” at its clinic from Feb. 5-11 to help all Atlantans overcome the stigma and fear associated with HIV and STI testing.
Additionally, Merritt has been a patient at AvitaCare Atlanta for over 25 years.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , 16 percent of Georgians with HIV are unaware of their status, which means they aren’t getting the HIV care they need.