Date of Release: June 20, 2011                              For Further Information Please Call:

                                                                                                Jeanette Shanley, REACH CNY

                                                                                                315-424-0009

Onondaga County Commissioner of Health, Cynthia B. Morrow encourages all Onondaga County residents to learn their HIV status. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one out of five people living with HIV in the U.S. are unaware of their HIV status. National HIV Testing Day is an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status and to gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives.

On Wednesday, June 29, 2011 Heart of New York (HONY) Community Health Educators of REACH CNY are sponsoring “National HIV Testing Day” at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center located at 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse. There will be free HIV Rapid Testing from 9:00 am -3:00 pm in room 80 (located in the basement) as well as an Information Center in the Banner Room (lower level) with a variety of health information.

·            Over 1.8 million people have died of AIDS

·            Over 33.3 million people are living with HIV/AIDS

·            The United Nations estimates that by 2012 there will be 25 million AIDS orphans

·            1.2 million people are currently living with HIV in the US, with approximately 40,000 new infections each year

·            75% of new infections in women are heterosexually transmitted

·            50% of all new infections in the US are people 25 years of age or younger

Onondaga County:

·            According to the most recently available data (cases reported and confirmed through December 2008) there were 1,273 total AIDS cases in Onondaga County

·            According to the most recently available data (cases reported and confirmed through December 2008) there were 944 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Onondaga County

·            Of the cases reported and confirmed in 2008, there were 47 newly diagnosed HIV cases in Onondaga County

·            A collaborative “One Decision” social media campaign has been implemented to increase awareness and education surrounding HIV prevention and testing in Onondaga County. The collaborative includes the New York State Department of Health, Onondaga County Health Department, AIDS Community Resources, Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility-FACES Program, SUNY Upstate Designated AIDS Center and The Center for Community Alternatives.