In celebration of National HIV Testing Day, the New York City Government has hatched an idea to implement an aggressive three year plan to test every adult within the Bronx Burrow.
According to the Time Herald-Record Manhattan has the highest Aids cases and the Bronx has the highest death rate. This is attributed to residents waiting too long before being tested and getting necessary treatment. Medical professionals are ready to start making it part of a routine intake just like a Blood Pressure and Temperature Check.
Many people feel it is a way to make a DNA data base on an historically poor and minority population. Especially those who feel HIV AIDS was developed by the Government to exterminate certain types of people.
If Maryland made it mandatory that you get a HIV test would you do it?
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
I could see mandatory testing being done in high risk zones, like those cities you listed. I think that there are too many people looking for a controversy though if they really believe the ulterior motive is to collect DNA from people and create a data base.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought--a good thing about making it mandatory is that everyone being forced to do it takes the element of embarrassment from those people who feel they need it but are too afraid to get it done. That prevents those people from spreading it (in theory) once they learn that they are, in fact, HIV positive.
I think I'm for it---minus the conspiracy theory.
Angela,
ReplyDeleteThe sad fact is that if you have syphilis or gonnorehea you have to give the health department a list of all of your sexual partners and the health office is supposed to call them and inform them and they have to come in and get tested.
This is a mandatory public health law.
What's so screwed up about all of this is that for the last 20 years you could have a 'Deadly' contagious disease that a series of antibiotics won't cure, and it has been so politically protected that your doctor hasn't even had the right to ask you if you have it!
Let alone your employer, your spouse, anyone.
Now they are going to do mandatory testing.
The whole issue is shrouded in pure insanity.
I have known 6 people who have died of it ( I used to live in LA and was a hair stylist) and I went to a support meeting with one of my friends. One of the guys at the meeting had just found out he was positive the week before, and he said he had been in the gay bath houses all week trying to spread it around!
Why in world was this behavior allowed to go on for over 20 years, and now just now are they making it mandatory?
It doesn't make sense.
I'm not going to claim allegiance to any conspiracy theory on this one either, however, I think we owe it to ourselves and society to always question why the government does what it does.
no way, the state isnt regulating my body. they would have a fight on their hands. thats the only way they would get my blood with-out my say so.
ReplyDeletejesus christ - BURROW? Are you for real??
ReplyDeleteIt's borough, people. C'mon Joe, set 'em straight on spelling. You ARE a New Yorker, aren't you?
I think everyone should be tested,regardless of risk factors.I was tested when I was pregnant.
ReplyDeleteAnd I kinda agree with Wymzie-in some states we still make couples wanting to marry get blood tests for syphilis-a disease that has not been a public health crisis for years-but mention AIDS and people get all hinky and uncomfortable.The way this younger generation sleeps around
(they call it 'hookin up') I would say AIDS testing should be a priority.
SPELL CHECKER KEPT BLOWING BURROUGH...SORRY.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I knew I would catch shit for it, but I have never lived in a city with borroughs. Districts, Towns, Counties, and City's but not burroughs!
Wymzie,
ReplyDeleteIn responding to the criticism, you again spelled the word wrong twice.