Regardless of Age, New Yorkers Should Have Routine Access to HIV Testing, Prevention Tools, and Treatment
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2016
Contact: Jason Cianciotto I 347-703-3865 I jcianciotto@harlemunited.org
New York, NY — On Sunday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new legislation critical to ending the AIDS epidemic in New York State. The legislation would:
- Increase the number of individuals who will be linked to and remain in care by allowing HIV-related information to be shared with care coordinators and care managers.
- Streamline HIV testing efforts and extend the upper age limit of the New York State HIV Testing Law beyond the current age of 64.
- Make clear that minors have the right to obtain life-saving HIV treatment and preventive services without parental consent, and ensure the confidentiality of such care.
- Expand the opportunities for STD screening and access to post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent infection.
“This common-sense legislation is critical to achieving Governor Cuomo’s plan to end AIDS in New York State, and Harlem United is so grateful for his continued, visionary leadership,” said Jacquelyn Kilmer, Esq., CEO of Harlem United. “Regardless of their age, New Yorkers should have routine access to HIV testing, prevention tools like post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and treatment.”
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ABOUT HARLEM UNITED
Founded in 1988, Harlem United is a nationally recognized human services organization that provides full access to integrated health care and social services for individuals experiencing multiple and complex issues, including HIV and AIDS, social stigma, mental illness, chronic substance and alcohol use, homelessness, and extreme poverty — regardless of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. www.harlemunited.org
