The Connection
In 2001, almost 20% of new HIV cases in Dallas County involved exposure due to intravenous drug use. According to the CDC, injection drug use (IDU) has directly and indirectly accounted for more than a third of all AIDS cases in the United States. IDU-associated AIDS accounts for a larger proportion of cases among adolescents and women than among men. Since the epidemic began, 57% of all AIDS cases among women have been attributed to injection drug use or sex with partners who inject drugs.

The Costs
The lifetime cost of a HIV infection is estimated to be $195,188.¹ The 695 new Dallas County HIV cases in 2001 will eventually cost over $135 million.

In the News
New York Times, July 2002
The vast majority of young U.S. gay and bisexual men in a new study who were found to have HIV were unaware of their infection, according to a CDC report presented at the 14th International AIDS Conference. The study interviewed 5,719 gay and bisexual men in Baltimore, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, and Seattle. Tests found that 573 men had HIV. Of those, 440 (77%), had said they were unaware they were infected. Most of the infected men perceived themselves to be at low risk of infection, despite engaging in frequent high-risk behavior.

GDCADA Web Report
    HIV, Substance Abuse, and the Homeless

Make A Difference
Educate yourself about the disease – attend “AIDS 101: HIV – The Basics.” Presented monthly at Dallas’ AIDS Resource Center.

Volunteer for organizations that work to prevent the spread of HIV.

People become infected with HIV because of what they do, not who they are. Understand, promote, and practice safer sex.

Resources
General Information, HIV Testing, Referrals
  AIDS Interfaith Network   (214) 941-7696
  AIDS Resource Center   (214) 521-5124
  AIDS Services of Dallas   (214) 941-0523
  GDCADA   (214) 522-8600

Texas HIV / STD Information Lines
  (800) 299-AIDS   (English)
  (800) 299-2437   (en Español)
  (800) 252-8012   (TDD/TTY)

National Resources
  Prevention Information Network (CDC)