HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today joined Senator Vincent Hughes to announce $1 million for HIV prevention and education for minority youth in Philadelphia County.
“By targeting funding for proven HIV prevention services to the county with the highest HIV prevalence in Pennsylvania and to populations who are greatly affected, we hope to make a positive impact on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Johnson.
“The importance of this funding is to generate an increased awareness, within the community, about this disease through education, testing and teaching folks young and old how to protect themselves,” said Senator Hughes.
The estimated prevalence of HIV remains consistently higher in Philadelphia County and is almost three times greater than the statewide average. Hispanic and African Americans are disproportionately affected, accounting for 60 percent of total cases in recent years, although they comprise of only 12 percent of the population.
The prevalence of AIDS in Philadelphia County has been increasing. The percentage of Pennsylvania AIDS cases in Philadelphia County has grown to an average of 61 percent in 1997-2002 from an average of 53 percent in 1980-1993.
HIV/AIDS continues to pose a significant threat to men who have sex with men. However, the epidemic in Pennsylvania is having an increasing affect on heterosexuals who are injection drug users and their female sex partners, and to communities of color.
The prevention programs being funded by the grant will be based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved HIV prevention interventions and strategies that have been proven to be effective in reducing behaviors associated with the transmission of HIV. These evidence-based programs represent the best currently available science related to HIV prevention.
For more information on HIV/AIDS, prevention and education contact the Department of Health at http://www.health.state.pa.us/ or call 1-877 PA HEALTH.
Jessica Seiders
(717) 787-1783
Pennsylvania Department of Health
CONTACT: Jessica Seiders for Pennsylvania Department of Health,+1-717-787-1783