HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a serious though preventable infection that has a disproportionate impact on ethnic and racial minorities. Although there is no cure, new treatments are helping people with HIV live longer. While these treatment regimens are complex, cause serious side effects, and become ineffective as HIV mutates over time, higher rates of individuals living with HIV may be a reflection of medical improvements as well as higher rates of HIV incidence.

In 2021, black or African American residents had the highest rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 residents in our region (194), followed by Hispanic residents (73). Seneca County had a significant rate of African American residents living with HIV (183), and Seneca had high rates among Hispanic residents at 95 per 100,000. Rates for white residents were highest in Monroe (30) and lowest in Yates/Schuyler County (11).

Racial disparities in HIV/AIDS infection rates are the result of several factors, including poverty, housing segregation, education level, language status, health coverage, health care quality, employment and the mass incarceration of Black and Hispanics. When access to health care is limited, preventive health screenings may not take place. Mistrust of the health care system and social stigma may delay Blacks and Hispanics from connecting with the health system for early testing and HIV treatment. Living in a racially segregated and high poverty communities increases the risk of HIV exposure given dense social networks. Stress caused by racism can weaken the immune system, increasing the susceptibility to a STD. These disparities are further complicated when race intersects with homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia.

Figures do not include prisoners, as counts with prisoners increased rates dramatically for counties with correctional facilities. Data for Yates and Schuyler counties were combined starting in 2015. Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the fourth quarter, with a 2-year lag.