Regions Leading AIDS Organization Responds to Alarming HIV Increases in Gay/Bi Men

Cascade AIDS Project (CAP), the regions' leading HIV/AIDS organization, today expressed alarm at data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealing significant increases in HIV infection among gay and bisexual men nationwide

PORTLAND, OR (PRWEB) August 1, 2003 - Cascade AIDS Project (CAP), the region's leading HIV/AIDS organization, today expressed alarm at data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealing significant increases in HIV infection among gay and bisexual men nationwide

While comparable increases in new HIV infections have not yet been seen in the Portland metropolitan area, the quadrupling of syphilis cases among gay and bisexual men in 2002 over 2001 is troubling evidence of increases in high-risk sexual behavior - the same behavior that can result in HIV transmission.

Historically, many cities seeing similar increases in syphilis in gay and bisexual men experienced increases in HIV infection rates in the same group within 2-3 years. The dramatic rise of HIV cases already occurring among gay and bisexual men in our regions neighboring cities, Seattle and San Francisco, are startling evidence of our need to remain vigilant, and to redouble our prevention efforts," stated Thomas Bruner, CAP executive director.

In response to these disturbing trends, CAP has recently increased its prevention outreach presence in venues frequented by gay and bisexual men at high risk in public sex environments, and has also added programming to reach men who seek out sexual partners through internet chat rooms. CAP is also working with the Multnomah County Health Department to increase efforts to collaborate with owners of sexually oriented businesses in the area to promote safer sex practices.

In response to the release of the latest national data, CAP is available to help clarify what these latest figures mean to the public, and to provide information to those seeking information. Additionally, CAPs statewide toll-free AIDS Hotline (800.777.AIDS) is on standby to field public calls and concerns.

CAP is the leading community-based provider of HIV prevention, support, housing and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Last year, CAP educated 25,000 youth and adults about HIV prevention, and served 1,600 men, women and children with HIV or AIDS and their family members. CAP operates with 700 volunteers, 46 staff and a $3.8 million budget.

Some 6,000 families in Oregon and southwest Washington have had a loved one diagnosed with AIDS since 1982. Several thousand more families in the area are believed to have a loved one infected with HIV.