HIV outbreak prompts ads geared toward truck drivers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The HIV outbreak in Scott County is prompting a new ad campaign from the Indiana State Department of Health. A new set of advertisements is aimed at encouraging truck drivers to avoid risky sexual behavior.

Scott County is located just off I-65, and officials say truck drivers frequently go through the area. The advertisements will be going up at rest stops and travel plazas along the highway.

“Truck drivers are transient,” ISDH Public Affairs Director Amy Reel said, “The concern is that HIV could spread if they do engage in some of this risky sexual behavior.”

One of the new images urges people to get tested if they’ve had sex without a condom. Another reminds people that anyone can get HIV, asks people to use condoms, limit their number of sexual partners, and avoid hiring commercial sex workers.

INDOT has agreed to put the signage at rest stops near Taylorsville and Henryville. Reel said Friday that the owner groups of travel plazas are reviewing the creative content for approval. She said her goal is to have the signs placed at every I-65 travel plaza between Indianapolis and Louisville.

Reel said Friday that the number of HIV cases in the southeastern Indiana outbreak had increased to 145.

At an April statehouse hearing on needle exchanges, Dr. Shane Avery, a Scott County physician, shared some of his research.

“We have public testimony of at least one commercial sex worker who admits to having intercourse with over 70 truckers after she knew she was infected with HIV,” Dr. Avery said.

Reel said the ads are based in part on conversations state workers have had with HIV patients. She said the images will be displayed in various forms, including posters and door decals.