This initiative includes New York City Council Members John Liu, Alan Gerson, Gale Brewer and Letitia James.

Currently, APICHA is the only racial/ethnic group in New York that has not experienced a decline in the number of new HIV diagnoses, and only six percent of APICHA New Yorkers report that their doctor recommended an HIV test. This presents a major concern that could have far-reaching impact.

"'Do you want an HIV test today?' That question can be all it takes for a doctor to begin a conversation about their patient's risk for HIV," said Robert Murayama, APICHA's chief medical officer. "Doctors almost never pose that question to their Asian and Pacific Islander patients because they assume the patient won't require it. The patient leaves the doctor's office not knowing their status; this can harm the patient and even their partners. This is a public health concern. Doctors have an obligation to ask that question without any regard to culture or ethnicity."

APICHA has identified limited access to HIV testing as a critical issue that requires urgent attention of doctors and the community. Often, doctors have preconceived assumptions about the sexual risk factors and lifestyle choices of Asians based on the stereotype of Asians as "the model minority." APICHA seeks to change attitudes amongst doctors by encouraging patients to begin the conversation in an effort to address this major public health problem.

Patients, who depend on their doctors to advise them about what they should be screened for, are left with an incomplete profile of their health and are in possible danger. This year, a Chinese woman, living with AIDS, was finally diagnosed with the disease after she sought services at APICHA.

Infected with HIV and stricken by a HIV-related illness, she met several doctors without a diagnosis, much less a recommendation for an HIV test. By delaying her diagnosis, HIV had weakened her system to the point where she had developed an opportunistic infection, which could have been prevented with appropriate and timely diagnosis and treatment.

At the heart of the campaign are coordinated efforts to have volunteers visit their doctor's office wearing T-shirts that say, "TEST ME for HIV." The action is meant to initiate dialogue and create an opportunity to educate doctors about the discrepancy.

"Our hope is that the doctors will come around, but until that time comes, I call on every A and PI person to demand an HIV test. APICHA is here to teach you what you should ask for and help empower you to take control of your health, but it's up to you to take that step and say 'test me for HIV'," said Therese R. Rodriguez, APICHAs executive director. "If you have not discussed HIV with your doctor, you do not have a complete picture of your health. You need to ask the question so that you can have the peace of mind that a complete health test gives."