HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- HIV and AIDS are still a huge health crisis in the country.

In Huntington alone, there is a 14% increase in the number of HIV infections and a 20% increase in sexually transmitted diseases over the last few years.

Todd Jones is the director of the Fusion Network, one of two community based programs in Huntington aimed at battling the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Fusion is open for males 19 to 29 who are gay or bisexual and want an alternative to the bar scene or public areas where anonymous sex is prevalent.

"I think most people in the community would rather see a safe haven and community resources than for people to engage in unsafe practices," Todd Jones said.

Jones says Fusion is also a resource center with workshops and activities.

The other community based program helping educate people about S.T.Ds, in particular HIV and AIDS, is the Ebenezer Medical Outreach on the first floor of the Douglass Center. The program here targets the poor and minorities, who are also high risk groups for the disease.

"If people don't know HIV is still a threat in Cabell County, they won't be tested," Jennifer Walls at the Cabell Huntington Health Department said. "There's a lot of misconceptions."

Jennifer Walls says she sees the need for more education, prevention and counseling surrounding a disease without a cure.

You can learn more about the Fusion Network by calling them at 781-3881.