MDHHS launches “Mahogany Blue' PrEP campaign to prevent spread of HIV and share prevention education

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is continuing its commitment to raising awareness about the critical importance of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for Black women in the fight against HIV/AIDS with the launch of the "Mahogany Blue" campaign.

"Mahogany Blue" focuses on sharing information about PrEP with Black women residing in Wayne County. Wayne County is among 57 jurisdictions across the country that have been awarded additional resources through the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Initiative. These jurisdictions combined are where more than 50% of HIV diagnoses occur, which emphasizes the importance of focused work in these areas. The overall goal of EHE is to reduce new HIV infections in the U.S. by 90% by 2030.

PrEP is a medication that can prevent the transmission of HIV and is a key tool in the EHE prevention toolbox. As part of ongoing efforts by MDHHS to address health disparities and promote equitable access to health care, the "Mahogany Blue" campaign emphasizes the significance of PrEP in protecting Black women's health and well-being.

The Mahogany Blue is an adaptation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "She's Well" and features Black women of various skin tones, shapes and ages appearing in informational materials customized for Wayne County. The inclusion of "Mahogany" in the tagline is a nod to not only the various shades of Black women but also the resiliency of Black women. "Blue" references PrEP medication that has traditionally been recognized as a blue pill. While the original PrEP pill was blue in color, PrEP now comes in many colors and forms. Patients and providers can work together to determine the best form of PrEP for them.

"PrEP is a medication that, when taken as prescribed, helps prevent a person from getting HIV," says Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "Taking PrEP can reduce the chance of getting HIV by up to 99% for sexual encounters and 74% for injection drug use. PrEP can be taken as a daily pill or a bimonthly injection. It's important that we continue efforts to reach people across our state and inform them of ways to lower the chance of contracting diseases like HIV, and this campaign is another example of our efforts to keep Michigan residents informed and protected."

Despite Black women being disproportionately affected by HIV in Michigan, their access to PrEP remains significantly lower than that of their white counterparts. While more than half (approximately 56%) of recent HIV diagnoses are among Black Michigan residents, they account for just one in five of PrEP users statewide.

Black communities have been hit especially hard by HIV with new diagnosis rates nine times higher than white communities. "Mahogany Blue" presents an opportunity to promote PrEP utilization among Black women by decreasing stigma, medical mistrust, the lack of awareness about PrEP and insurance challenges. The campaign is dedicated to illuminating the unique barriers Black women encounter in accessing HIV prevention tools like PrEP. Through heightened awareness, advocacy for research inclusive of stratified data for Black women and community engagement, MDHHS aims to implement meaningful change and ensure equitable health care access for all.

Most insurance plans cover PrEP, andresources are availablefor those who don't have coverage.

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