A mural sponsored by Regional One Health has been completed in South Memphis as part of the hospital’s public service effort concerning HIV.
The purpose of the mural on the east wall of a building at 960 South Bellevue Boulevard is to remind HIV+ patients to stay committed to their doctor-prescribed medical regime so they can achieve an “undetectable” status.
The mural was painted by Memphis artist Brandon Marshall and is the cornerstone of the hospital’s “Power Over HIV” campaign. ”Living undetectably with HIV” means having fewer than 20 copies of the virus, also known as HIV viral load, in a patient’s blood. Patients who are undetectable can dramatically reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
The location of the mural was selected because it is situated in a busy area frequented by residents in cars and on foot and bicycle, in a community where HIV education is crucial, but still subject to stigma and sensitivities.