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GMHC Legislative Agenda 2005
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
162,000 New Yorkers have developed AIDS, accounting for approximately 18%
of the nations confirmed cases. New York leads the nation, with the highest
number of persons living with AIDS — 66,660 by the end of 2003. Furthermore,
cumulative reported AIDS cases in New York State have increased 49% since 1996.
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 81% 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, 63% 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, in fact 70% of our total clients served are living on an annual income of less
than $10,000. 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.
HOTLINE: 800.AIDS.NYC
(800.243.7692)
hotline@gmhc.org
www.gmhc.org
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© 2005 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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