Drug Use Blamed for AIDS Rate; Maryland Fifth in Nation in Incidence of the Disease

Despite ranking 19th in US state population, Maryland ranks fifth in the annual number of AIDS cases. The statistic is fueled by drug use, according to local activists who are asking the state to do more to combat the virus.

"I have seen the community be very scared and confused because of the myths that were out there originally, and some that are still out there about the transmission of HIV," said Stephanie BrooksWiggins, president of the People with AIDS Coalition of Baltimore.

"Maryland's problem with the HIV epidemic. . . is absolutely fueled by drug use," said Liza Solomon, director of the state AIDS administration. "We have to have our efforts dove-tailed with drug prevention and drug addiction treatment. That's where the challenge is for us."

Baltimore has the eighth highest rate among metropolitan areas and accounts for more than half of all cases of HIV/AIDS in Maryland. Under a new Maryland PUSH initiative in Baltimore, the state is adding AIDS counselors, drug treatment slots and testing sites to get more people into treatment and help prevent the spread of the virus.

Yet AIDS activists worry that the state's attempt to cut its budget -- cost-saving measures worth $205 million have been ordered -- will mean less funding for AIDS programs. About 86 percent of the 2002 AIDS budget, totaling $50 million, comes from the federal government, so the state cuts' impact may be mild. Gov. Parris N. Glendening will await estimates from the Board of Revenues before making any decision on budget cuts. "It is way too early to be making any sort of forecast as to where the budget will be," said Michelle Byrnie, the governor's spokesperson. "The governor wants to make sure that services for people in need stay intact."

Back to other CDC news for December 28, 2001

Previous Updates