The Queens population is composed of 19% African Americans and 25% Hispanics (Table 4).  Although the African Americans make-up less than one-fifth of the population, the PLWA percentage for African Americans as of 12/31/2006 is 28% and for the Hispanic Community, although they make-up only a quarter of the total population of Queens, their PLWA percentage is alarmingly 55% (Table 3).  These two populations are at an increasing rate in terms of their PLWA and HIV diagnoses.  East Elmhurst, zip code 11370, has particularly been a concern due to its alarming Cumulative AIDS and PLWA rates.  East Elmhurst’s PLWA rate is nearly seven times the average rate of occurrence in the entire borough of Queens.  East Elmhurst is predominantly Hispanics with 36% and 19% African Americans (Table 4).  Regardless of the small population of African American compared to Hispanics, the Black community is the primary contributor to HIV/AIDS.  Furthermore, IDU is evidently the main problem in East Elmhurst amongst both men and women.  The IDU rate for men is 49% and for women, it is 34% (Table 2).

Table 2:

West Queens (Queens) UHF

Males PLWA                                      Mode of Transmission

West Queens (Queens) UHF

            Females PLWA

                                                                        Mode of Transmission

    The IDU rate for men is nearly half the total mode of transmission in East Elmhurst.  Therefore, the most effective way of getting through this population is through the establishment of syringe exchange programs, education, and the elimination of the stigma attached with AIDS through better community network and counseling.

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