We are greater than AIDS

Ryan White was born on December 6, 1971. He was diagnosed with AIDS when he was 13 years old. As a child in the 80s, he faced tremendous backlash from parents and teachers of the school he attended who feared the spreading of the disease through bodily fluids. This, even after assurances from his doctors that he posed no risk.

Children with AIDS were rare at this time in the history of the disease. That is no longer the case. Today, 36.9 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV/AIDS, of which 2.6 million are children (source: aids.gov).

In Baltimore City, approximately 13,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, mostly African Americans.

It is clear Baltimore is vulnerable and needs to keep intensifying our fight to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Earlier this year, our Health Commissioner, Dr. Leana Wen, announced with others the receipt of a $20 million dollar grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The funds will be used in a broad outreach effort by government, medical and community organizations. We need to educate those who are most at risk, and we need to stop the transmission of the disease.

Progress has been made in the management of the disease. Even more important, scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are moving into a critical human testing stage for a vaccine. But there is still no cure.

Education is critical to understanding exactly how the disease can be transmitted, who is at risk, and what you can do to avoid contracting the disease.

HELP US EDUCATE BALTIMORE

The Baltimore City Health Department provides health education services to schools and community groups upon request. Health educators are available to provide presentations on STDs and HIV. If you would like to inquire about having one of the education programs at your school or community association meeting, email BCHD.STD-HIVPreventi@baltimorecity.gov or call 410-396-4448.

GET TESTED – IT’S FREE, AND ANONYMOUS

Baltimore City offers free testing for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Visit the STD Clinics site for more information.

WE CAN ASSIST FINANCIALLY IF YOU NEED HELP

Baltimore City also provides assistance to those in need of medical services. If you are infected with HIV and do not have sufficient health care coverage or the financial resources needed to cope with the disease, visit the Ryan White Program site.

NEED TO TALK? SEE OUR LIST OF RESOURCES.

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