Elected officials in the borough are calling for more resources to combat HIV/AIDs in the Bronx.

In honor of National Black HIV/AIDs Day, a meeting was held to find ways to lower infection rates in the borough.

More than 30,000 Bronx residents are living with the virus, according to the city. Neighborhoods like Crotona Park East, Tremont and Fordham have some of the highest infection rate citywide.

Advocates and health providers gathered to come up with ways to fight the disease that disproportionately affects African-American communities. Three points that were emphasized were access, education and funding.

Councilman Ritchie Torres announced that the City Council will provide $16.7 million to grassroots organizations that help against the illness.

Jackie Johnson, a Bronx resident who has been living with HIV for 16 years, says there is better treatment available that has helped him live a healthier life.

Places like Union Community Health Center are urging people to continue to come in and get tested for free.