I. Introduction   

     The problem of AIDS and HIV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is quite varied, with multiple populations at risk of infection.  However, the populations at greatest risk are African Americans and men who have sex with men (MSM) (see table).  Determining the degree to which these two populations intersect, i.e. how much of the homosexual or bisexual population is black, is difficult.  Due to the nature of the African American community, homosexuality or bisexuality is often hidden and kept “on the down low” (1).  In any case, homosexuals, both black and white, are still contracting AIDS and HIV at a significant rate, and so prevention measures are not properly affecting them.  To combat this lack of effectiveness, improvements in HIV testing and partner referral and a tackling of the ‘down low’ issue by the local African American church must be made.

Proceed to II. Peer Referral