United Way HIV-AIDS Report.

According to a report released by United Way of New York City (UWNYC), in conjunction with local public officials, academics and agency leaders, HIV/AIDS has passed the epidemic stage among minority women and children in certain New York City neighborhoods, creating an urgent need for health and human services to address their unique living conditions and improve their quality of life.

HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in women ages 25-34 and the second-leading cause of death for women ages 35-44 in New York City, affecting primarily women of color, according to the New York City Department of Health. For instance, in East and Central Harlem, HIV/AIDS is the third-leading cause of death with death rates of 50.7 and 68.7 per 100,000, respectively. In addition, more adolescents are becoming infected and at an earlier age. At least one half of all those who are newly infected are under 25, according to the Centers for Disease Control. One-quarter are adolescents, the report states.

“This disease has devastating effects on women, their families and their communities at a time when these women are typically the most productive economically and vital to the well-being of their children,” said Ralph Dickerson, Jr., president of United Way of New York City, at a New York press conference. “We need to raise awareness that the problem is growing in our own backyard and address this crisis at its roots.”

Due to strides in treatment and reduction in deaths, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is perceived to be under control in the United States, without need for continued concern and action, the study states.

“United Way’s report speaks loudly to dispel the myth that HIV/AIDS is no longer a health crisis in the U.S. and, in particular, in New York City. It calls our attention to the challenges that we face, 21 years into the epidemic, with educating new generations, preventing new infections in youth, responding to the continued devastation of HIV/AIDS in the lives of women and families, and fighting the stigma associated with this epidemic,” said Ana Oliveira, Executive Director of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. “This report offers critical pathways for a successful and impactful response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in New York City.”

In fact, the report states that in the lowest-income areas of New York City — East Harlem, Washington Heights, the South Bronx, and Central Brooklyn — rates of infection are so pervasive that AIDS has become a condition touching almost every resident of the community.

Dennis de Leon, Executive Director of the Latino Commission on AIDS, added, “The escalation of infections of HIV/AIDS in the city has its roots in poverty and issues related to it, including IV drug use, homelessness and incarceration. United Way’s report will be critical to helping policy makers and nonprofits develop programs that address gaps in service.”

Most often, the disease is transmitted as a result of addiction, ignorance, dependence, or coercion, the report states.

The report, “HIV/AIDS in New York City: A Strategy for Improving Odds, Options and Quality of Life” — highlights four areas where investment is needed, either because needs have expanded far beyond service delivery capacities, or because they are not receiving enough recognition and support:

— Offer intensive, ongoing support and counseling to children and families in which mothers (or other caregivers) have HIV/AIDS.

— Help young people handle situations that put them at risk of infection from their peers and others, with particular emphasis on HIV/AIDS education and prevention activities, including approaches that stress mutual support and build overall character, communication and leadership skills

— Help those at the highest risk of transmitting AIDS to young people and women to be more aware of the impact of their behavior, and to reduce the chances of harm to themselves and their partners.

— Invest in the infrastructures of community-based organizations serving people with HIV/AIDS — build their fundraising, planning, reporting and accountability capacities, through grants directly supporting staff, technology and fiscal systems.

The view full report CLICK below:

http://www.uwnyc.org