This program event is wonderful and needed. However, Newark Dept. of Health on Williams st. actually discourages those who seek testing and treatment. As a counselor, I have been shocked at what my patients tell me.

They have gone or called, then told to go to std clinic, then told to make an appointment for a case manager and if they are HIV positive they are told there is only one doctor who can see them and she has several month wait. Most if not all of the people I have sent do not follow through and continue risky behaviors. They also report being treated in a rude way by the case managers intake.

So, all these media shows, pubilicty is fine but needs to be working on the ground level.

Thank you.

ZM