RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - While the rate of new HIV diagnoses continues to decline, an estimated 36,300 people were living with HIV infection in North Carolina according to the state's 2013 Epidemiologic Report on HIV and STDs.

"We have developed strategies to keep clients in care and bring costs down, while preventing adverse outcomes such as hospitalization and drug resistance to effective medication," said Jacquelyn Clymore, HIV/STD Director, in a news release.  "These strategies include the addition of 'bridge counselors' who focus on retention in care and locating HIV positive patients lost to care in an effort to link them to treatment and medication."  

DPH continues to promote its three part strategy of testing, medical care, and retention of  care.

African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV disease, according to the report.