Wear Red for World AIDS Day on December 2

World AIDS Day takes place on the first of December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

At the only HIV specialty clinic in the area, staff of UHS Binghamton Primary Care are skilled in helping new and established patients navigate life after diagnosis and have been at the forefront of HIV care in the region since the start of the epidemic in the 1980s. They are committed to offering fully integrated, stigma-free HIV primary care.

In addition to general medical treatment for HIV, the PrEP Program at the primary care office provides case management, retention and adherence counseling, hepatitis C treatment, STD screening and treatment, and substance abuse and mental health treatment and referrals.

Staff members are LGBTQ-literate and knowledgeable about transgender medicine. Providers work collaboratively with community partners such as the Broome County Health Department and the Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP).

“Treating HIV has come a long way," said Scott Rosman, NP-C, AAHIVS, director of the UHS HIV and PrEP programs. "People who are regularly engaged in care do exceptionally well and can live happy and healthy lives."

He noted: "At UHS, we offer PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, and PEP, post-exposure prophylaxis. We understand the urgency and importance of timely appointments and treatment, and make ourselves available to see anyone who needs to be seen either the same day or the next day."

Mr. Rosman added: "The goal of the staff at UHS Binghamton Primary Care is for an individual living with HIV to be able to successfully focus on life and not on a diagnosis. We’re here and ready to guide you through your journey toward good health.”

For more information on AIDS/HIV services at UHS, including PrEP navigation and support services, visit nyuhs.org.