SYRACUSE -- The latest data on new HIV cases in Onondaga County shows minorities in Syracuse are the highest risk to contract the disease. There were nine new HIV cases among people aged 13 to 24 in Onondaga County in 2010 and Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow says most of them were minorities within the city. Local advocacy groups say they are focusing their efforts on reaching out to minority youth including many who might not be fully aware of the consequences and risks of contracting HIV. Morrow said some of the new HIV cases were also diagnosed in Syracuse's suburbs.

"It's true that there is a disproportionate impact in the city but we absolutely have cases outside the city and we will continue to have cases outside the city as long as people engage in risky behavior," said Morrow.

There have been 41 new HIV cases in Onondaga County in people between the ages of 13 and 24 over the past five years. That spike prompted a new initiative to reach out to at risk youth. The "one decision" facebook page will focus on healthy approaches and ways for young people to protect themselves. The page will be monitored - but it is based on teens sharing their own stories.

"It's a lot more coming from them than an actual adult because we as teens don't feel like adults can relate - but another teen can," said Fowler High School student Korey McGann.

Shannon Brown from Utica said she was scared to be tested but hopes that by sharing the story of her HIV diagnosis she can help a teen or young person make healthy decisions in their own life.

"It's something that can be prevented. It's not cancer - you don't have to have this. You know where it comes from so you can prevent it. Why not? And it is one decision and you have to live with it for the rest of your life," said Brown.

Preventing new HIV cases is just one part of the initiative. The health department says there were 661 cases of sexually transmitted diseases reported in Onondaga County in 2010.

Health officials in Central New York say there is a spike in the number of cases of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases among young people in Onondaga County.

To combat this, a new social marketing campaign has been launched to get the word out. It is being organized by several health groups, including AIDS Community Resource, Onondaga County Health Department, Syracuse University, and the Center for Community Alternatives. The groups say they will use billboards, bus shelters and Facebook to bring awareness to the issue.

According to Cynthia Morrow, the Onondaga County Health Commissioner, there were 661 cases of sexually transmitted diseases in people between the ages of 13-25 in Onondaga County in 2010. In the past five years, there were 41 newly diagnosed cases of HIV in young people. The majority of the cases are among African Americans.

Here is the breakdown:

2006 - 7 new HIV cases
2007 - 8 new HIV cases
2008 - 11 new HIV cases
2009 - 6 new HIV cases
2010 - 9 new HIV cases