In 2018 researchers considered some parts of Atlanta to have an HIV epidemic similar to some third world nations in Africa. Here are five ways that Atlanta is trying to solve the HIV crisis. 

1. Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 217 into law in April. Lawmakers believe that this will create a safe needle exchange program that will discourage the use of old syringes for medical purposes.  
2. Kemp also signed House Bill 290 into law as well in April. The new law will create a pilot program for the distribution of the PrEP pill to people who are considered to be at high risk to contract HIV.
3. Fulton County received a $2.5 million federal grant in September to help serve minority men who have HIV and those who may be at risk. According to the website AIDSvu from Emory University, black men are five times more likely to live with HIV than white men.
4. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms offered free and confidential HIV testing on Nov. 30, 2018, at Atlanta’s city hall. The service provided in partnership with AID Atlanta was a way for Bottoms to promote HIV & AIDS awareness throughout the city.
5. Dwain Bridges and Larry Walker created Thrive SS in 2017. A non-profit organization that opened a transitional home for men and transwomen who are HIV positive. 

According to data from the Fulton County Department of HIV Elimination, over 40,000 people carried cases of HIV across metro Atlanta in 2017. Efforts by local and state government officials have shown they are ready to fight the growing crisis.