New York Health Department Receives $2.9 Million to Battle HIV/AIDS in Minority Communities

According to a New York State Department of Health press release, the state has been awarded $2.9 million to strengthen its fight against HIV/AIDS in minority communities throughout New York.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Richard F. Daines said, "These grants are just one way we are aggressively fighting HIV/AIDS in our hardest hit communities...New York spends more than any other state to provide a full range of HIV prevention, treatment, and support services. But we know we need to strengthen our response and pay particular attention to New Yorkers who are disproportionately at risk for this disease."

The New York Governor's 2007-2008 Executive Budget has invested $3.5 billion in all AIDS-related programs throughout the state. This $3.5 billion is an increase of $82 million over last year's budget. Around 80 percent of the New York State Health Department's funding goes to fight against HIV/AIDS in minority communities.

Access to updated and new treatments has lead to a decrease in AIDS-related deaths. But still, even more New York residents are living with HIV/AIDS and need help from the state.

New York actually leads the nation in the number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Just over 170,000 people have reported having AIDS in the state of New York. This number represents 19 percent of all cases in the US. Between January of 2004 and December of 2005, around 15,000 people reported new cases of HIV/AIDS in New York.

Due to the fact that people of color make up around 78 percent of people in the state of New York with AIDS, the government is hoping to target these groups of people more. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in both African American and Hispanic New Yorkers between the ages of 25-44.

The generous grant given to the state will target African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Native American communities. The grant will also support programs that specifically help women, young people and teens, gay men, and injection drug users.

Dr. Daines stated that great programs throughout the state were given more money because they tended to be more culturally sensitive and offered services to people who do not speak English or are immigrants. Dr. Daines said, "We applaud the staff and volunteers of these agencies and encourage them in their important work."

These programs will receive grants that are renewable each year for up to five years as long as they properly deliver their services to the targeted communities.