WORLD AIDS DAY, 12/1/8: GET TESTED!

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated a 40% increase of new HIV infections in 2006, with 53% of new cases among men who have sex with men and 45% among African Americans. To make matters worse, New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a report which suggested the rates of HIV infections among New Yorkers are three times higher than national rates. What does this mean? It means that no matter your sexual preference or racial identity, you had better know your status. The good folks at Gay Men’s Health Crisis are offering free testing in Manhattan and Brooklyn on Monday, which happens to be World AIDS Day. There are a number of other events on the day itself and the days following, so click here to see what else is going on. And click here if you want to consider volunteering in a variety of capacities. We’re in this together, folks. AIDS is still a huge problem in New York, and knowing if you’re HIV positive or negative (and acting accordingly) is a big first step in becoming part of the solution. Free HIV testing Monday, 12/1/8 Brooklyn: Brooklyn Public Library, Cadman Plaza & Eastern Parkway. 10am—4pm Manhattan: Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers Street. 11am—3pm