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Little Rock marks World AIDS Day as local groups push for funding, testing and harm‑reduction
Summary
City leaders proclaimed Dec. 1 World AIDS Day and local nonprofits including Stride Light Foundation and Arkansas REPS presented 2023 state HIV/STI statistics and urged city support for testing, prevention, PrEP access and harm‑reduction programs.
Mayor Frank Scott Jr. proclaimed Dec. 1, 2025, World AIDS Day and the board welcomed representatives from Stride Light Foundation and Arkansas REPS who urged city support for expanded testing, prevention and treatment programs.
Cornelius Maben Jr., founder and CEO of the Stride Light Foundation, said the organizations operate in Southwest Little Rock and provide testing, linkage to care and harm‑reduction services. He said approximately 6,000 people in Arkansas are living with HIV and emphasized the role of community organizations in reaching affected populations.
Raheem White, community health coordinator, and student peer prevention advocates described rising STI and HIV indicators in state data. White cited 303 new HIV cases in Arkansas in 2023 and a state HIV prevalence of about 6,873 people; he said Arkansas had seen the largest increase in new HIV diagnoses in the nation since 2018 and urged local funding to stabilize prevention and care services.
White said, "Without consistent dedicated funding at the state, county, or municipal levels, prevention and response efforts lack stability," and recommended the board consider allocating municipal funds for prevention, testing, PrEP and programs that prioritize maternal and prenatal screening to prevent congenital syphilis.
The presenters demonstrated how to use an at‑home oral swab HIV test and offered free kits and outreach to colleges and community groups. They urged the board to partner with community‑based organizations and to consider funding to close local prevention gaps.
Next steps: Presenters left materials and test kits with the clerk; board members acknowledged the presentation and asked city attorney staff to follow up on any statutory questions cited in public comments.
