Bill is on Gov. Paterson's desk
Saying it is a huge issue for the African American community, the Black Leadership Commission On AIDS (BLCA) is calling on the governor to sign a bill that would require medical practitioners to offer HIV testing to all between 13 and 64.
Rev. Chauncey Brown, chair of the BLCA of Syracuse, says that even though African Americans are 17% of the population, more than half of all new AIDS cases are diagnosed with this group. AIDS is the number one cause of death for Black women 25 to 31 years old.
Rev. Brown points oit that the CDC urged easier test access back in 2006, and New York State would be the first to make it happen, waiving many privacy issues. Studies show that people who are aware of their status are also more careful about situations that could spread the virus, which in itself cuts the spread of the disease. Brown also says the testing, and earlier diagnosis, would also save money on treatment for more advanced cases. His group is urging lobbying and contacting the governor to get the bill passed.
To contact the governor: www.ny.gov/governor
For more on the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS www.nblca.org
The Onondaga County Health Department offers testing now. www.ongov.net/health (check with your county health department as well)
