LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Rate of AIDS Infections Increases in Delaware |
AIDS Delaware has announced that Delaware now has the fifth highest rate of AIDS cases in the country. The state, previously ranked 8th, falls behind Washington DC, New York, Florida and Maryland. The rankings are based on an April 30th report issued by the state's Division of Public Health. "Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, Delaware has unfortunately held a top ranking in the country for the rate of AIDS cases," says John Baker, deputy director of AIDS Delaware. "The battle against AIDS is decades long. What has developed is complacency across the country. 'Are they still talking about AIDS? Don't they have drugs for that now?' And, yes, new treatments have been developed along the way. But, as of today, there is no cure. And, these new figures are an awful reminder that the state of Delaware continues to be at higher risk." Baker says. Delaware has the nation's highest rate of AIDS cases among IV users, Baker added. Within Delaware, the May report listed Wilmington as having the state's highest number of reported AIDS cases followed by New Castle County outside of Wilmington, Sussex and then Kent. "We believe the figures on reported AIDS cases don't accurately represent our states situation. Many Delaware residents, especially those in high_risk groups, do not know their AIDS status because they have never been tested," Baker says. AIDS Delaware, founded in 1984, is Delaware's largest and oldest AIDS service organization. It works for health in the human family by providing social and support services to clients and their families as well as prevention and education programs to halt the spread of HIV and other STDs. It also advocates compassionate public policy. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 5, May 19, 2000. |