A decrease in social and health services is what Bronx AIDS patients have to look forward to if the city centralizes care in Manhattan, according to activists.
The city plans to cut funding for many local AIDS centers and relocate services to Manhattan. Critics, like David Miller who is living with the disease, say that's a mistake. Advocates want services accessible in the boroughs where the majority of the city's new HIV cases are found. Community groups argue patients are less likely to take a long train ride into the city to seek care, especially if they are taking a sickening cocktail of medications.
The organization Health People estimates about 400 of its patients will have to go to the city under the plan, which is set to go into effect February 28.
Related Information:NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene