Stats...

Coming from a Sociology background, I have hellish stats hours under my belt.  The first thing I'll tell you is that stats are never the definitive answer, they're an estimate.  Even when a complete census is attempted there are always those who are left out or provide inaccurate data.  I'll also tell you that stats can be made to say anything.  

Given that, you should be aware of the health statistics in your given area.  While I'm talking about HIV, I'm also talking about HepC, Lyme, parasites & other health issues you local health officials keep track of statistically.

The map above was made in 2008, so the numbers have most likely risen in all areas depicted.  Go online & Google HIV rates for your state.  You might be surprised.  Look for the break down by county & the surprise might grow.  It did for me.  Excluding the one metro county I've lived while residing in Oklahoma, the county I live in now has the highest rate of HIV of any of the other places I've resided in to date.

Other than Tulsa county, this podunk county has the highest HIV/AIDS rates of the places I've lived.  It figures.  I shouldn't be surprised, but it's a little shocking.  Go ahead, check out you area.  See what the numbers are for your county.

Cya...