HIV Screening
Rates Jump in NYC

New York City's public hospitals have posted a 116% increase in HIV screenings over the past three years, jumping from 63,023 to 134,000 patients tested each year.

The New York City council said in a press release that it has made HIV testing a priority, reallocating funds for HIV rapid testing in public hospitals.

"The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be one of the greatest health challenges facing our city," said council speaker Christine Quinn in the release. "And providing resources for prevention has become a major priority for the city council. Collaborating with numerous partners, like the Health and Hospitals Corporation, the council has allocated approximately $13.4 million in this year's budget to support New York City's HIV/AIDS prevention programs. Today's news about the increase in HIV testing rates is strong evidence that increased availability of HIV testing has been a significant tool for early detection and preventative care."

"We've dramatically increased our HIV/AIDS screening by offering rapid tests in every emergency room, inpatient unit, and in almost every type of clinic to every patient we treat -- including teens and young adults, the age group where half of all new HIV infections occur," HHC president Alan D. Aviles said in the release. "By making testing part of routine medical screening we can help overcome the stigmas and barriers that are associated with the disease and reach more New Yorkers who may be HIV-positive and not know it. That is why we've committed to further expansion of our testing program to reach 150,000 more patients this fiscal year."

The city council wants to make it clear that rapid HIV tests can provide patients with a better understanding of the virus and can encourage them to take steps to remain healthy and connected to care. (The Advocate)