NEW YORK, NY June 26, 2008 —New York City is encouraging every adult in the Bronx to get tested for HIV. Although more people have HIV and AIDS in Manhattan, more die of AIDS in the Bronx, suggesting that it's being discovered too late to treat effectively. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden:

FRIEDEN: There's always a concern that if you prioritize resources to one place, that's going to say that that place has a bigger problem, but the reality is that Bronx and community leaders in the Bronx are taking the lead.

REPORTER: Starting tomorrow, caregivers in emergency rooms and clinics in the Bronx will begin encouraging adults to take the test. The Health Department has been trying to find ways to expand testing HIV testing within the constraints of state law. Frieden has been urging Albany to loosen a legal demand that people give written consent for HIV tests. Other states only require oral consent.