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In recognition of World AIDS Day on Sunday, December 1, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) urges New Yorkers to understand HIV prevention, learn their health status through testing, and seek treatment options. As the State’s largest provider of HIV primary care, HHC hospitals and health centers have tested more than 1.3 million people since 2005 when the public hospital system began making HIV testing part of routine medical care for patients by offering tests in emergency rooms, in-patient units, and outpatient clinics. There are treatment services available throughout the five boroughs.

“World AIDS Day is a reminder to New Yorkers about the importance of taking control of your health, whether it’s getting an HIV test or making sure you take preventive health measures,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles. “The combination of early diagnoses and improved treatment options gives those living with HIV a better chance of managing their illness.”

HHC’s 11 acute care hospitals are Designated AIDS Centers, and HHC hospitals and community health centers offer specialized HIV care to all New Yorkers, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. Services include:

• Rapid HIV testing – It is fast, easy and a confidential consultation is provided. Tests are available at all HHC hospitals and community health centers in the five boroughs. Get results in less than 30 minutes.
• Access to Care – HHC healthcare facilities have a seamless system to immediately link people to continuous, team-based and coordinated quality care when they learn they are infected with HIV. People with an HIV diagnosis receive antiretroviral treatment and self-management health education to help them be healthier, live longer and prevent transmission.
• Expert HIV/AIDS Providers – From physicians to support staff, the NYC public hospitals are home to nationally recognized HIV/AIDS specialists who have been on the front lines in the battle against this illness, providing compassionate care, testing, developing treatment plans and participating in important research.
• MetroPlus Health Plan – HHC’s health insurance plan, MetroPlus, rated the number one HMO in New York State several years in a row, has the state’s largest HIV Special Needs Plan that provides comprehensive and targeted medical and support services to people facing HIV/AIDS.

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation’s 30 year leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS was recognized in 2011 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for achieving a major milestone: one million unique New Yorkers tested for HIV. HHC’s routine HIV testing program is now considered the largest of its kind by any single healthcare system in the U.S. To find an HHC public hospital or clinic that offers HIV testing call 311 or visit http://www.nychhc.org/hhc.

Contact : Jennifer Bender(HHC) (212) 788-3339

About HHC

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is a $6.7 billion integrated healthcare delivery system with its own 420,000 member health plan, MetroPlus, and is the largest municipal healthcare organization in the country. HHC serves 1.4 million New Yorkers every year and more than 475,000 are uninsured. HHC provides medical, mental health and substance abuse services through its 11 acute care hospitals, four skilled nursing facilities, six large diagnostic and treatment centers and more than 70 community based clinics. HHC Health and Home Care also provides in-home services for New Yorkers. HHC was the 2008 recipient of the National Quality Forum and The Joint Commission’s John M. Eisenberg Award for Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality. For more information, visit www.nychhc.org/hhc or find us on facebook.com/NYCHealthSystem or twitter.com/NYCHealthSystem.

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• HHC
• HIV
• New Yorkers