I reported in Sunday’s newspaper that new HIV cases in Potter and Randall counties continue to be a high levels, and that is concerning local public health officials and AIDS advocates.
In Potter County, infection rates for Chlamydia and gonorrhea increased last year, according to provisional 2009 data the Amarillo Public Health Department released last week. Potter County already reported the second highest infection rate in the state in 2008 for those diseases.
Teen Pregnancy still continues to trouble those working to curb the incidence of that.
However, no one I’ve spoken with in my three years as health reporter for this newspaper seems to offer a decent or different way to reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy in Amarillo.
I may be wrong, but I don’t recall from my reporting much change in or alternate thinking from the powers that be in trying to tackle this public health issue. Should there be more?
The Amarillo Public Health Department can’t change their tactics per strings attached to their state and government funding. Nonprofit activists’ hands are tied because of limited funds. The Bi-City-County Health Board, which meets quarterly, doesn’t do anything besides listen to reports from city staff members.
In Lubbock, public health officials are dealing with the same problems as counterparts in Amarillo; lack of funding. Two vital health positions were cut from the city budget last year.
My question still stands.
Should more be done about these troublesome rates?
Should the general public be more concerned that Amarillo sits near or at the top of dubious state rankings for STDs and teen pregnancy? If so, shouldn’t they demand more be done from those in charge?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
The statistics are startling and you make great observations. Unfortunately funding for awareness of the diseases mentioned isn't going to improve the problem. The root of the issue is the lack of a solid home foundation. Fathers not being present to support their mother and to create structure is what is missing here. Kids are running to where they feel "loved" and "accepted". In single parent homes one parent has to work their tail off to provide and make a living leaving little time to mentor and parent a child. The lack of quality in the homelife is the result of this tragic statisitic that is going to continue to spiral out of control.
ReplyDelete