Clinical testing is the only way to determine if a person is infected with HIV. The Broome County Health Department uses rapid testing. This means that we have an HIV test result during your visit. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life for a person with the virus. HIV testing is available through the STD Clinic (607.778.2839) but there are times set aside just for HIV testing with trained HIV test counselors. If anonymous testing is wanted, you may call 1.800.562.9423 to make an appointment for HIV testing at the Broome County Health Department, Southern Tier AIDS Program, or throughout the region. Specially trained staff can provide information and programs about HIV/AIDS to individuals and groups.

Binghamton Tri-County HIV Care Network
Serving Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties

Mission: To improve the quality of life of individuals and families impacted by HIV and AIDS by fostering a coordinated, comprehensive, accessible, and integrated system for health and social support services in the region.

HIV Network Overview

The HIV Care Network is a community-based planning and coordinating group for HIV-related services throughout Broome, Chenango and Tioga counties. The Network is funded by the federal Ryan White CARE Act through the New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute.

The HIV Care Network membership includes persons living with, and affected by HIV and AIDS; health and human service agencies; educators; clergy; business and industry leaders; and interested community members. Membership is built on the principles of inclusiveness and diversity.

The Network carries out its annual Workplan through the activities of its committees. You may choose to actively participate in any of the Network Committees and workgroups that interest you:

• Steering Committee (by election)
• Community Awareness Committee
• Case Management Committee
• Consumer Advisory Board (only for persons living with HIV or AIDS)
• Faith Based Community Health Workgroup
• Chenango County Workgroup
• Tioga County Workgroup

Benefits of Membership . . .

• You will have the opportunity to meet other individuals and network with providers from organizations concerned with HIV and AIDS.
• Your input will help strengthen HIV/AIDS services in our region.
• You will gain access to up-to-date information about HIV and AIDS through the HIV Care Network NEWS, special mailings and meetings.
• Quarterly Network meetings are rotated between Binghamton, Owego and Norwich.
• Periodic Network forums will increase your understanding of the needs and issues surrounding HIV.

To Become a Member . . .
Are you interested and concerned about improving the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV and AIDS? Become a Network member! Membership is free and open to any individual, agency or organization residing or working in the Network's service area. You may become a member by calling the Network Coordinator at 607.778.3066 or email skosty@co.broome.ny.us.

Statistics

HIV/AIDS in the Binghamton Tri-County Region (Revised June 2007)
Area Profile of the Binghamton Ryan White Region of New York State (Data through December 31, 2004)

For more data regarding HIV/AIDS in the region and in New York State, please go to: http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/aids/statistics/index.htm

Policy Issues

• Expanded Syringe Access
• HIV Reporting And Partner Notification
• HIV Testing For Newborns
• Reform The Rockefeller Drug Laws
• Social Security Benefits For People Living With HIV

Network & Committee Workplans

2007-2008 Workplan