Group Raises HIV/AIDS Awareness

There is some concern about the growing number of new HIV cases being diagnosed.

The rate is particularly alarming amongst young men between the ages of 15 and 24.

Melissa Palank of the Minnesota AIDS Project said, "we must eliminate the stigma that still surrounds this disease 30 years after its emergence."

The Minnesota Aids Project used Tuesday’s world-wide observance to bring attention to a concerning trend, the number of diagnosed HIV cases are on their way up.

The hardest hit group is young adults between the age of 15 and 24 years old. In Minnesota, there were 75 new cases in that age group diagnosed through September. In all of 2008, there were a total of 59.

Gay and bisexual men made up the largest percentage of new patients.

Patrick Troksa was diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS back in 2000. He insists that more education is needed.

"It's an acquired illness,” said Troksa. “You don't have to get it. So get the word out so people understand you can protect yourself. You don't have to acquire this disease."

Minnesota AIDS Project
Mnaidswalk.org