If you live in the Bronx, it is highly likely that you have known somebody who has AIDS or HIV, or who has died from the disease. According to the HIV Epidemiology Program of New York City, the Bronx accounts for 17% of HIV cases, 25% of newly diagnosed cases, and it is said that 2% of the Bronx suffers from HIV. That is 40% higher than the rest of New York City, says the US Census Bureau and Health Department data. The rates are highest in the Mott Haven, Hunt’s Point, High Bridge, and Morrisania, Crotona Park, and Tremont roughly Community Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6.

In 1989 the New York Times published an article warning New Yorkers of the high incidences of AIDS and HIV that were being diagnosed in the borough. In one instance, journalist Bruce Lambert writes, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital gave emergency room patients blood test with 23% coming back positive for HIV.

In 2008, a three-year initiative was launched by the Health Department called The Bronx Knows. The campaign involved posters being placed around the borough with information about where to get free HIV tests. The goal was that every adult living in the Bronx would be tested and know their status.

2011 was a huge year that marked the thirtieth anniversary since AIDS was first officially diagnosed in 1981. That spring I attended a conference at Fordham University where Jeanne White-Ginder, the mother of Ryan White, spoke about what it was like to be diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s when the disease was largely a mystery to most. It was there that I met a man who had been diagnosed at age sixteen thirty years ago and was still living a normal, productive life against all odds. Later that same year BronxTalk host Gary Axelbank did a special episode about the AIDS/HIV epidemic in our borough.

On May 20, 2012, over 45,000 will join forces in Central Park for AIDS Walk 2012. I participated in the event last year with Being Latino with at least two teammates being fellow Bronxites. People came from all over the metropolitan areas with banners, signs, t-shirts, and other themes. While some still equate AIDS as “the gay disease” or something only drug addicts get, the fact is that AIDS/HIV affects us all, especially the young and those living in Black and Latinos communities like ours.

This year I have started my own team and would love for you to join! You can access information and register at AIDS Walk New York or by calling (212) 807-WALK. My team’s name is the Bronx Movers and Shakers and my team # is 9110, which you should mention if you call. I want YOU to walk alongside me and the 45,000 others who are walking to help fight this battle.

Check out our team page