An HIV/AIDS task force kicked off a program Thursday called "What's Your Code?" with the goal of curbing new cases in Brooklyn.

Local doctors, volunteers and clergy members joined state Sen. Kevin Parker at Flatbush's Lutheran Medical Center to announce the 12-week program.

They say "code" means HIV status. Parker organized the group with the intention of holding forums and determining policies to combat the epidemic in the black community.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 1 million black people are living with HIV, accounting for half of the nation's cases. However, black men and women only make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population.

The program will target neighborhoods such as Flatbush, Midwood and Kensington, but Parker says the effort could expand.The announcement came on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.Related information:National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene