Susan Hrostowski and Michael Pelts
Mississippi is ranked sixth in the nation in the number of HIV/AIDS cases, and the City of Jackson, ranks 4th highest in the rate of new HIV infections in the nation. A review of the literature and personal communications with health providers reveals that public health policy, stigma, cost, and distrust of the healthcare system, are significant barriers to managing the spread of HIV. Education of elected officials and the general public as well as policy advocacy are desperately needed to curb the rising HIV epidemic in Mississippi.