Multiple barriers prevent minorities' early treatment. AIDS stigma, lack of transportation top list.

The most recent statistics show that HIV is the leading cause of death for young African-Americans and the third leading cause of death for both African-Americans and Latinos in the 35-44 age group. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that African-Americans and Latinos were more likely to be tested late for HIV than were whites. In addition, previous research has shown that HIV-infected African-Americans and Latinos are more likely to be uninsured, to have not received antiretroviral drugs, to lack transportation for visiting doctors, and to have had recent hospitalizations.