The dilemma with AIDS in Allegheny County is contributed to many problems including media, issues with homosexuality and drugs, and the lack of knowledge given to the young, but in order for Pittsburgh to become active in the fight against AIDS, we must first accept its definite existence in our community. Through my experiences with my brother, Chris, and Tina, I now realize what a problem AIDS has become universally. In order to combat this horrible disease, everyone needs to step up. We can no longer accept excuses like ‘no more funding’ and ‘homosexuality’ from the state and media. Awareness is essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially in places like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As long as AIDS is an epidemic in our nation, there will always be a problem.