Petrelis Files

http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com


Charles Kaiser
New York, NY

Hi Charlie:

I can't attend the April 3 panel in New York on the mutant HIV strain, so I'm sending you these written questions, hoping you'll address them during the Q&A time. [1]

1.
Nine quarterly HIV/AIDS surveillance reports for New York City HIV stats are declining, including the stats for gay male HIV infections. [2]

Why are these numbers falling? Is it because of effective HIV prevention programs? Are more gay men and sexually individuals are engaging in safer sex? Could the drop have anything to do with AIDS cocktails reducing HIV viral loads?

2.
Considering that only one New York media outlet, the online Gotham Gazette, has reported on the latest HIV stats in NYC, and that they are falling, do you think other news sources, especially the mainstream media, should report on the stats? [3]

Looking forward to your answers.

Best,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
^^^


Sources:

1.
http://nlgjany.com/calendar.php

Sunday, April 3, 2005
Superbug and the Press: A Panel Discussion
With revelations that a new, particularly virulent strain of HIV may have surfaced in New York, what role should the media play? How can journalists appropriately cover a story where the science is complex? Do headlines like the New York Post's "Super Bug" unnecessarily alarm readers? How do journalists balance detailed information about transmission with squeamishness about gay sex? And is the role of crystal meth and other drugs getting appropriate play?

These questions and others will be the focus of "Superbug and the Press," a provocative panel by the New York Chapter of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, co-sponsored by Gay City News.

Confirmed speakers include:

Duncan Osborne, Associate Editor, Gay City News
Charles Kaiser, author & activist
Benjamin Ryan, freelance writer specializing in AIDS/HIV
Dennis deLeon, Executive Director, Latino Commission on Aids
Dr. Scott Kellerman, Assistant Commissioner for HIV/AIDS Services, New York City Department of Health
Moderated by Ray Smith, editor, Body Positive

This is event is FREE and open to the public and media.


Sunday, April 3, 2005 - The Center, 208 W. 13th St., Room 301 7 - 9 P.M.

2.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/qtr1-2003.pdf ,
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/dires-2004-report-qtr1.pdf , http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/dires-2005-report-qtr1.pdf , http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/qtr2-2003.pdf ,
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/dires-2004-report-qtr2.pdf , http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/qtr3-2003.pdf ,
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/dires-2004-report-qtr3.pdf , http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/qtr4-2003.pdf ,
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/pdf/dires/dires-2004-report-qtr4.pdf

3.
http://www.gothamgazette.com/corrections/