Michigan: Number of Teens With HIV/AIDS On the Rise

Young adults ages 13-19 make up an increasing proportion of Oakland County HIV/AIDS cases, from 13 percent in 2001 to 33 percent in 2005, the latest year for which figures are available. "The increase is significant," "scary," and it means youths are not getting the message to protect themselves, said Joy Schumacher, who became the AIDS coordinator for Oakland County in 1988.

On Sunday, the 17th annual AIDS Walk Detroit -- which Schumacher helped start -- may help to raise HIV/AIDS awareness, which is lagging, say organizers. AIDS Walk Detroit is Michigan's largest and oldest 5-K AIDS walk and run. The nonprofit organizers of the event, Steppin' Out, hope to attract 3,000-4,000 participants and raise $300,000. Proceeds will be split among local AIDS service providers. The walk and run will be held at the Royal Oak Farmer's Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road.

As AIDS deaths have declined due to better treatments, Charlotte Paul, executive director of Steppin' Out, fears safe-sex and clean-needle awareness have also faded. Paul is also circumspect about state HIV/AIDS statistics, since the people who need to be screened often are not, she said.

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