Publication: ABNF Journal
Publication Date: 01-SEP-04
Format: Online - approximately 2250 words
Delivery: Immediate Online Access
Author: Coleman, Christopher Lance
Article Excerpt
Abstract: According to recent research, Baltimore City has one of the highest HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) infection rates in the state of Maryland. Intravenous drug use (IDU) in persons who are infected with HIV, is identified as the critical link to the spread of this disease in Baltimore. Substance abuse programs are insufficient to aid the city in helping to fight the warfare on HIV/ AIDS. The City Council, citizens and community based organizations must play a non-judgmental role in obtaining legislation to address the issues. Adequate substance abuse programs will greatly enhance educational and prevention strategies among African Americans who are already disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and IDU. Efficient, effective, equal, legal, political acceptance, and improvement would be included in the criteria of policy options.
Key words: HIV/AIDS, Intravenous Drug Use, Health Policy, African Americans,
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The Maryland HIV/AIDS Epidemiological Profile (2002) has published that intravenous drug user (IDU) accounts for approximately 80% of all new HIV cases reported in the state. According to the Maryland Taskforce (2000), it is unclear as to whether there are sufficient substance abuse treatment programs available in Baltimore City. It follows, therefore, that if there are not sufficient treatment programs, the city will be unable to effectively treat intravenous drug users, whose sexual behavior is associated with the transmission of HIV.
While Caucasians account for only for 7.2% of all cases of HIV/AIDS in Baltimore City, African Americans make up a large part of the underserved group of people who are also disproportionately reported as using illegal intravenous drugs and being HIV positive. A recent report indicates that among new HIV cases through 2002, 89% were among African Americans, while only 9.6% were among Whites. The Kaiser Family Foundation State Facts Online (2001), reports alarming data that African Americans represent only 28% of the Maryland State population, however, 137 African American males compared to 18 Caucasian males are intravenous drug users (IDUers). The data also show that 50 African American females use intravenous drugs as compared to 15 Caucasian females.
As reported by the Maryland HIV/AIDS Epidemiological Profile...
NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.
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