The truth is scary.
Did you know that New York City has the highest AIDS case rate in the country? There are more people in NYC living with AIDS then Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Washington DC combined!
And HIV is an acute problem in our communities: four out of five (80%) new AIDS diagnoses and deaths are among African Americans and Hispanics.
Here are some suggestions to protect yourself:
1) Be informed. Learn what HIV/AIDS is and how it is transmitted.
2) Avoid risky (i.e., stupid) behaviors. Do not have sex until you are ready and it is with a person you trust. And never have unprotected sex, even with a steady partner -- many boyfriends and girlfriends are unknowingly spreading the disease.
3) If you're sexually active, get tested. An early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death -- for you and your loved ones.
Questions? More info and links can be found at The Dept.of Health and Mental Hygiene's HIV/AIDS homepage. Or talk to Ms. Caroline, myself, or an adult you trust.
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