A hidden crisis emergesAcross Central Oregon, HIV rates are climbing to unseen levels. According to the Central Oregon Health Data Report, HIV in Deschutes County reached 88.7 cases per 100,000 people, the second-highest rate in Central Oregon. Deschutes County reports that, “the syphilis rate in Central Oregon is growing faster than the statewide rate.” In 2013, there were four cases of syphilis reported in Central Oregon; in 2024, there were 67 cases. The most significant reduction would target the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, historically the backbone of HIV prevention efforts, which would lose all $794 million of its HIV prevention funding. Credit: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCentral Oregon maintains HIV prevention and harm reduction servicesEven as federal support remains uncertain, Central Oregon continues to deliver vital harm reduction and HIV prevention services.