By Michael Morton
“HIV continues to affect minority communities at a disproportionately high rate,” Monserrate said during an Aug. 18 news conference, citing statistics that show the rate of infection for Latinos is almost four times higher than that of whites nationwide, with Latinos accounting for one-third of new infections in the city. Blacks, although they represent only 13 percent of the U.S. population, he said, comprise close to 37 percent of national AIDS cases, the disease caused by HIV.”I want to make sure Elmhurst Hospital has all the tools for this issue in Queens,” said Monserrate, co-chairman of the Council's Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.Elmhurst's HIV clinic handles 1,000 patients a year, and hospital staff said a recent increase in syphilis and gonorrhea in the area the hospital serves probably means HIV is on the rise, too, though many cases remain undiagnosed. Work is scheduled to begin next month on the facility, with plans for a better ventilation system and a reconfigured triage area and examination rooms for more patient privacy. The clinic will remain open during the yearlong construction, which staff hope will leave them with one of the best facilities in the city.The hospital has undergone other work – a new emergency room is being built and a cancer center is planned – but this is the first time the clinic has been updated. The $1 million endowment, presented Aug. 18, is coming out of Monserrate's discretionary capital spending from the new 2004-2005 city budget.”I know many families and friends who are living with AIDS,” Monserrate said, noting that HIV infection rates were on the rise in Corona, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. “I understand there continues to be a need for a voice for this issue.”Advocates for HIV and AIDS patients attending the news conference hailed the councilman's funding effort.”It will certainly help Queens and this community,” said Nuris Rodriguez, director of advocacy for the Latino Commission on AIDS. “HIV continues to tear through our community.”Reach reporter Michael Morton by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by calling 718-229-0300, Ext. 154.
