By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – HIV and AIDS continues to disproportionately affect African-Americans in the United States. And that's why State Senator Byron Brown took an HIV test himself to increase awareness of the problem.
In the 1980s, AIDS was mainly associated with gay white males. Twenty years later, it's become a disease that's having a devastating impact on African-Americans. In 2001, the last year in which figures are available, African-Americans accounted for half of all AIDS cases diagnosed.
It's the leading killer of African-American women aged 25 to 35 and African-American men aged 35 to 44. That's why Senator Brown, the other day, decided to do something about it.
"I actually took an HIV/AIDS test to show that it's quick and painless," Brown said. "It's something people in the community should do to safeguard themselves and loved ones."
As the nation observed National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Brown said testing and education are key to bringing down rates of the disease in African-Americans. But so too is funding. And in a state trying to close an $11.5 billion deficit, Brown said protecting AIDS funding is one his priorities.
"I think it's important for the state to maintain its commitment to HIV/AIDS programming, education and treatment," Brown said. "I will be working to make sure those programs are maintained in the state budget this year."
Governor Pataki's recommended budget for fiscal 2003-2004 includes $2.6 billion to combat AIDS, the largest such expenditure by any state in the nation.