HIV Surges in Bronx
by Kate Greenberg
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Health
Twenty-five percent of New Yorkers infected with HIV, (more than 21,000 people), live in the Bronx. As a result of these statistics, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has launched a three-year initiative to have all Bronx residents between the ages of 18 and 64 tested for HIV. Although many adults living in the Bronx report that they have been tested for the virus, 250,000 have not been, and may be living with HIV. One in four Bronx residents who have HIV don't know that they have the disease and many don't learn they are HIV positive until they have full-blown AIDS.
According to Health Commissioner Thomas Friedan, 36% of homosexual men who have had five or more partners in the past year, do not use condoms consistently. Although Friedan and other city officials are concerned about the spread of HIV in the gay community, they are equally concerned about the spread of HIV among heterosexual men and women. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr. has said that despite rigorous testing and educational efforts, women and people of color are still getting infected at epidemic proportions.
Although high rates of HIV infection are of great concern, as is the fact that a third of all New York City's AIDS-related deaths occur in the Bronx, there is hope. As members of the Lehman College community, we can take a stand against HIV and AIDS by getting tested and encouraging friends, family members, and community members to get tested as well. The Student Health Center at Lehman offers free HIV testing three times a week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can get tested from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Student Health Center, Building T-3, Room 118. And take a look at our website: Lehman College Student Health Center for more information.
In addition to free and confidential HIV testing, the Student Health Center sells condoms for just ten cents each, and provides education on condom use to any student or staff member who wants to learn more about condoms and how to use them correctly. So, bring a friend to the Student Health Center and support each other as you get tested. Knowing your status and learning how to protect yourself from becoming infected with HIV will help you to make the most informed decision about your health. -m/b>
Kate Greenberg
Director of Wellness & Health Education
Lehman College Student Health Center
According to Health Commissioner Thomas Friedan, 36% of homosexual men who have had five or more partners in the past year, do not use condoms consistently. Although Friedan and other city officials are concerned about the spread of HIV in the gay community, they are equally concerned about the spread of HIV among heterosexual men and women. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr. has said that despite rigorous testing and educational efforts, women and people of color are still getting infected at epidemic proportions.
Although high rates of HIV infection are of great concern, as is the fact that a third of all New York City's AIDS-related deaths occur in the Bronx, there is hope. As members of the Lehman College community, we can take a stand against HIV and AIDS by getting tested and encouraging friends, family members, and community members to get tested as well. The Student Health Center at Lehman offers free HIV testing three times a week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can get tested from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Student Health Center, Building T-3, Room 118. And take a look at our website: Lehman College Student Health Center for more information.
In addition to free and confidential HIV testing, the Student Health Center sells condoms for just ten cents each, and provides education on condom use to any student or staff member who wants to learn more about condoms and how to use them correctly. So, bring a friend to the Student Health Center and support each other as you get tested. Knowing your status and learning how to protect yourself from becoming infected with HIV will help you to make the most informed decision about your health. -m/b>
Kate Greenberg
Director of Wellness & Health Education
Lehman College Student Health Center
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