Fulton County funds HIV testing after miscommunication backlash

Matthew Terrell, a 31-year-old artist, writer and HIV activist is the brainchild of a new piece of public art called, Atlanta s HIV+ Population Now, designed to bring awareness to the ever growing HIV population. Fulton County is funding programs to help reduce the spread of HIV. AJC FILE PHOTO

Matthew Terrell, a 31-year-old artist, writer and HIV activist is the brainchild of a new piece of public art called, Atlanta s HIV+ Population Now, designed to bring awareness to the ever growing HIV population. Fulton County is funding programs to help reduce the spread of HIV. AJC FILE PHOTO

Fulton County commissioners on Wednesday agreed to spend more than $2 million to help pay for HIV testing in the county.

The grants, paid for by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will help 14 groups test people for HIV and link them to care. It will also pay for HIV education and condom distribution.

The money is expected to pay for about 40,000 HIV tests, and will help 200 people who are HIV positive gain access to care.

Commissioners approved the spending after an uproar from some organizations whose leaders said they were not informed of funding plans.

To read more about their concerns, click here.