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2004 NYS Legislative Agenda
Health, Equality, Pride.
AIDS in New York State
New York is the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United
States. Since the first cases were identified in New York City in
1981, more than 155,000 New Yorkers have developed AIDS, accounting
for approximately 17% of the nations confirmed cases. New York leads
the country, with the highest number of persons living with AIDS.
Cumulative reported AIDS cases in New York State increased 43% between
1996 and 2002.
Recent data from the New York City Department of Health shows an
alarming 75,000 people — 1% of NYC residents, have been diagnosed
and are living with HIV. The epidemic continues to devastate our
communities of color — making up 89% of all new cases in New
York City, sharply rising among young men who have sex with men,
and steadily increasing among women, particularly women of color,
who now make up one quarter of New York's AIDS cases and 30% of
new HIV infections. In New York, stigma, racism, gender inequality,
drug dependency, social status, poverty and homophobia continue
to create challenges for people living with HIV and AIDS, and place
communities at risk for HIV.
About Gay Men's
Health Crisis
Mission
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported
and community-based organization committed to national leadership
in the fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of
HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health
and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of
HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling this mission,
we will remain true to our heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming
the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians.
True to our mission while incorporating change, Gay Men's
Health Crisis remains an evolving institution, vigilant in its response
to the ever growing challenges of living with HIV and AIDS.
Who GMHC Serves
GMHC serves one in every five persons diagnosed with AIDS in New
York City. As the world's oldest AIDS service provider, GMHC now
helps more than 15,000 men, women and children and their families
each year. Our clients reflect the diversity of HIV; 68% are people
of color, 62% are lesbian, gay, bisexual, 19% are women, and more
than half reside outside of Manhattan. The vast majority of our
clients are at or below poverty level, and many walk through our
doors uninsured. 70% of GMHC clients rely on Medicaid, while 15%
rely on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, ADAP for their medical
care and life-saving prescription drugs.
Committed to creating a safe place for all who walk through
our doors, GMHC strives to offer a wide range of programs and services,
always responsive to the changing needs of the people we serve.
GMHC's 2004 Public
Policy Issues
GMHC's Priority issues are a reflection of our mission and the
needs of the people we serve. We recognize the state is facing a
deficit; while mindful of this situation, we believe it is imperative
that GMHC continues to advocate for additional funds where there
are clear and demonstrated unmet needs.
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© 2004 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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