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CNY Young Men of Color Have Highest Rates of HIV Infection

Young men of color in Central New York have one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the state, and one organization is trying to reach them to get tested.  

 Friday is National HIV Testing Day, which wraps up a week dedicated to increasing the number of those who know their status, not only for their own good, but also to avoid spreading the disease.  

  The Care Network provides education to schools and community members to spread awareness that people living with HIV can still lead long, prosperous lives. 

   But, Wikiera says waiting too long to get tested doesn’t help. 

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Wikiera knows getting tested is never easy, but he says quality of life can be seriously impacted if you think "it can't be me."

  ACR Health will provide free testing for National HIV Testing Day Friday from 9 to noon and  again from 1 to 3 P.M. at thier offices at 627 W. Genesee St. Syracuse and also at their Utica location on Columbia St.  The main number is 1-800-475-2430; the Hotline is 1-888-475-2437.

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.